Gambling and alcohol consumption are prevalent behaviors among Australian youth and young adults and often lead to a range of social and health-related harms. The ‘Bets and Booze’ study, conducted in September 2024 by the Australian Gambling Research Center (AGRC) at the Australian Institute of Families Research (AIFS), examined the context, harms and predictors associated with concurrent gambling use. It was investigated in detail. Alcohol in individuals aged 16 to 35 years.
research approach
The study consisted of an online survey of 1,168 participants who had participated in gambling within the past year and in-depth interviews with 18 people in this group who reported concurrent gambling and alcohol use. A mixed methods approach was adopted.
Main findings
The results revealed that about half of the survey participants frequently consumed alcohol while gambling. Licensed venues were identified as a common environment that facilitates this collaborative consumption, where social interaction, such as gatherings with friends, partners, and family, is often the main motive.
Participants in this study were primarily male (64%) and the majority were between 26 and 35 years old (58%). Most were employed (87%) and about a third were students (31%). The sample included individuals from all Australian states and territories, with the majority residing in major cities (70%). Participation in gambling was high, with electronic gambling machines (EGMs) being the most popular among both men and women. Men were more active in sports betting and horse racing, while women were more likely to participate in lottery tickets and instant scratch tickets.
Gambling and alcohol use often begin around the age of 18, and some people start even earlier. This early contact was often perceived as a rite of passage in Australian culture. However, minors’ involvement in these activities was associated with increased risk of gambling and alcohol-related harms as adults. Despite a significant portion of the sample being at risk of gambling-related harm, the majority did not seek help. The reason is often because they didn’t realize they needed help. For those who wanted help but did not seek it, the most commonly cited barrier was shame.
Frequent gambling was common, with 45% of participants participating in weekly gambling activities. Although men reported participating more frequently in sports and racing events, weekly participation rates in slots and lottery games were similar for men and women. The study also assessed gambling-related harm using the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) and found that approximately two-thirds of participants were at risk of experiencing gambling-related harm. Men had a higher prevalence of risky gambling than women.
Participants communicated a variety of harms associated with gambling, including financial hardship, negative impact on employment and school performance, health problems, and strained relationships. On average, individuals experienced one to two gambling-related harms in the past year. Commonly reported problems include decreased spending on recreational activities, feelings of regret, and increased alcohol consumption. In-depth interviews highlighted the psychological toll of gambling, with some participants expressing feelings of depression and anxiety after suffering large losses.
Alcohol use was prevalent among participants, with men reporting drinking more frequently. A significantly larger sample of men and women consumed alcohol in excess of recommended guidelines, and many engaged in episodic binge drinking.
Combining gambling and alcohol was widespread, with 80% of participants reporting using alcohol at some point while gambling. About half said they frequently or always drink alcohol while gambling. These participants often engaged in a combination of these activities and had higher PGSI scores, suggesting an increased risk of gambling-related harm. Licensed venues were common destinations for communal consumption, with easy access to both gambling opportunities and alcohol. Some participants indicated that alcohol consumption led to more impulsive gambling behavior and increased spending.
Social factors play an important role in gambling behavior, and many participants view gambling as a social activity. The presence of friends and family often influences gambling and drinking habits, with men more likely to gamble with friends and women more likely to gamble with a partner or family member. Despite the prevalence of dangerous gambling, fewer people sought help. Although the majority of participants did not feel a need for help, among those who did feel a need for help, shame was a major barrier. Some emphasized the value of peer support and counseling in dealing with gambling problems.
Important points
The findings have policy implications for national and international governments in understanding the impacts and harms of gambling and alcohol consumption, including the strict enforcement of age restrictions at licensed venues, and the prevention of co-consumption of gambling and alcohol. It emphasizes the need for increased awareness and education about the harms. Alcohol, gender-specific prevention and treatment strategies, and efforts to destigmatize help-seeking for gambling-related harms.
The importance of addressing these issues is critical to reducing the social and health impacts of gambling and alcohol use among Australian youth and young adults.
