Australians Have the Highest Gambling Losses in the World
Australia has gained a notorious reputation for having the highest gambling losses in the world, according to a recent study conducted by H2 Gambling Capital, a leading provider of data and market intelligence for the global gambling industry. The report revealed that Australians lost an estimated $1,129 per capita in 2019, more than any other country in the world.
The study found that Australia’s gambling losses far surpassed those of other countries, with the United States coming in second with an average loss of $561 per capita, followed by Singapore with $504 per capita. The report also highlighted the staggering growth of the Australian gambling industry, which has seen a 7.3% increase in losses since 2018.
One of the key factors contributing to Australia’s high gambling losses is the country’s widespread love of sports betting. Australians are known for their passion for sports, and this enthusiasm often translates into high levels of sports betting. The study found that sports betting accounted for 37% of all gambling losses in Australia in 2019, making it the most popular form of gambling in the country.
In addition to sports betting, the study also pointed to the popularity of electronic gaming machines, or pokies, as a major factor in Australia’s high gambling losses. Pokies are highly addictive and easily accessible in pubs and clubs across the country, making them a significant source of revenue for the gambling industry.
The study also highlighted the impact of problem gambling on Australian society, with an estimated 390,000 Australians experiencing gambling-related harm each year. This has led to calls for stronger regulation of the gambling industry and increased support for problem gamblers.
Despite the concerning statistics, the Australian gambling industry shows no signs of slowing down. The study predicts that gambling losses in Australia will continue to rise in the coming years, fueled by the growth of online gambling and the increasing popularity of sports betting.
With Australians losing more money per capita on gambling than any other country in the world, it is clear that the issue of problem gambling is a major concern in Australia. As the government and industry regulators grapple with how to address this problem, it remains to be seen whether any meaningful changes will be made to curb Australia’s high gambling losses.
