Australians Increasingly Turning to Online Gambling: A Worrying Trend
A new Australian investigation has shown a troubling surge in individuals participating in internet wagering. The investigation, carried out by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), discovered that over one in ten Australians – specifically 11% – stated they had gambled online within the last six months. This signifies a concerning escalation from the prior year, where the number was 8%.
The global health crisis seems to have exacerbated this pattern, with a substantial portion of internet gamblers acknowledging heightened engagement compared to pre-pandemic periods. Particularly alarming is the growth of athletic and equestrian wagering, which witnessed a dramatic rise in involvement.
Furthering these anxieties, the ACMA also underscored the influence of partner marketing in directing users to internet gambling sites. Their findings indicated that these marketing strategies, frequently operating on social networks and streaming services like Twitch, provide unusually generous incentives, suggesting an assertive effort to entice new gamblers.
The ACMA stressed its dedication to safeguarding Australians, especially susceptible individuals, from the risks linked to internet gambling.
Back in 2017, the Australian government took a firm position against unlawful internet gambling. They were serious! New regulations were established to safeguard Australians from questionable online casinos and similar operations. Since that time, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has blocked access to hundreds of these suspicious websites. They have been taking action against illicit gambling sites and the advertisers who endorse them.
