In 2013, researchers carried out the third Tasmanian Gambling Prevalence Survey, and it is now being tabled in Tasmanian Parliament. The report was co-authored by researchers from ACIL Allen Consulting, the Social Research Centre and the University of Melbourne; and, it takes a look at gambling trends and behaviours of gamblers in the state.

According to the survey, 61.2% of Tasmanian adults had participated in a gambling activity in the previous 12 months. It marked a significant decline from 2011 when 64.8% of adults had gamblined and 2008 when 71.1% of adults gambled. The most common forms of gambling among these players were lottery tickets: lottery tickets (43.0%), Keno (26.0%), scratch cards (20.6%) and pokies (18.6%).

Participation in gambling activities was highest among Tasmanians in full-time employment with the following annual incomes:

  • $25,000 to $39,999 (66.1%)
  • $65,000 to $79,999 (73.0%)
  • $80,000 to $129,999 (67.2%)

People between the ages of 25 and 34 years of age had some of the lowest participation in gambling activities with just 54.9%. Only 45.2% of people with an annual income of less than $25 000 gambled, while 48.2% of people born overseas in English-speaking countries participated in gambling activities in Tasmania. The study also found that Tasmanian punters spend an average of $927 on all types of gambling per year.

It is a small decline from the average of $1054 that was recorded in the 2011 survey. Spending was higher among males, who wagered $1199 per year, and people over the age of 55, who wagered £1302 per year. Players spend the most money per year on horse and greyhound racing ($1,140), gaming machines ($656) and sportsbetting ($530).

The survey offers up some very interesting insight about gambling participation among Tasmanian residents. To read the full report click here.  

About the Author

George Anderson
Author George, has over 25+ years’ experience in the Pokies and Casinos industry throughout Australia and New Zealand. Loves to research new Pokies games on the block and follows announcements from top industry providers about their upcoming releases. As soon as a new interesting pokie game appears on his radar, George is there to check it out and give you the scoop before anyone else and tell you about all casino sites where can play the latest game. Before this gig, George worked as Pokie game tester, making him an ideal candidate for this genre of work. He is also an animal lover and a proud owner of three dogs.