The New South Wales (NSW) government has released its Gambling Survey 2024, conducted by Central Queensland University and commissioned by the NSW Responsible Gambling Fund.

The NSW Gambling Survey 2024 is designed to provide insights into gambling participation, changing trends, and gambling harm in the Australian state.

The latest iteration is a follow-up to the 2019 survey, offering comparative data to understand the evolving gambling landscape and its impact on individuals and communities.

The survey was based on telephone interviews with 10,000 adult residents of NSW, conducted between March and May 2024.

Using computer-assisted telephone interviews (CATI), respondents were randomly selected to ensure a representative sample.

This approach allows for a broad demographic reach and reliable data collection.

The NSW Gambling Survey 2024 introduced new measures of gambling harm, assessing harm experienced by gamblers themselves and those affected by someone else’s gambling.

Additionally, it incorporated a legacy harm measure, evaluating gambling-related harm from more than 12 months ago, giving a more comprehensive picture of gambling’s long-term consequences.

Gambling participation remains stable, with 53.5% of NSW adults reporting gambling in 2024 compared to 53% in 2019.

While overall participation is steady, engagement in certain forms of gambling has declined. Participation has decreased in electronic gaming machines (EGMs), scratch tickets, race betting, and casino table games.

In contrast, there has been an increase in participation in lottery purchases, sports betting, and online casino gaming.

EGMs lead gambling activity

Gambling harm in NSW remains a significant concern. Just over one in five (21%) respondents reported experiencing gambling harm.

This includes 7.8% suffering harm from their own gambling, 12.7% being affected by someone else’s gambling, and 7.1% experiencing harm from gambling that occurred more than 12 months ago (legacy harm).

EGMs continue to account for the most gambling-related harm of any vertical, according to the survey.

The survey uses the Gambling Harms Scale (GHS-10) to assess gambling harm in those who gamble and the Gambling Harms Scale – Affected Others (GHS-10-AO) to measure harm experienced by family members, friends, and others impacted by gambling.

Additionally, the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) was used to categorise gambling risk levels.

The PGSI is a screening tool used to assess gambling-related harm. It consists of nine questions measuring gambling behaviour and its negative consequences.

Scores categorise individuals as non-problem, low-risk, moderate-risk, or problem gamblers, helping identify those needing intervention or support for gambling-related issues.

However, the 2024 report moved away from stigmatising terms such as “problem gambler” and instead adopted more neutral terminology.

Minimal-risk gambling (PGSI score: 0) refers to no significant gambling issues and low-risk gambling (PGSI score: 1–2) represents occasional minor negative consequences.

Likewise, moderate-risk gambling (PGSI score: 3–7) indicates more frequent gambling issues, and high-risk gambling (PGSI score: 8+) indicates significant gambling-related harm and potential loss of control.

The NSW Government and the Office of Responsible Gambling will use the findings of this survey to develop and refine policies aimed at preventing and reducing gambling harm.

The data will also inform funding allocation for support programs and harm reduction initiatives, and help shape public awareness campaigns to educate the community on gambling risks.

NSW wants public input on gambling reform

The NSW government is asking for public input to help shape future gambling policies. 

Having launched yesterday, individuals can share their opinions on proposed initiatives, including a third-party exclusion program and a statewide facial recognition system designed to support an exclusion register for hotels and clubs with gaming machines. 

The goal of facial recognition technology is to improve the identification of excluded individuals, especially in crowded venues, as part of efforts to reduce gambling-related harm.

While the system will automate the recognition process, venue staff will still need to verify matches to ensure accuracy. Currently, employees rely on memorising a list of excluded patrons, which can be challenging to manage. 

To protect personal privacy, the proposed reforms will include strict guidelines to ensure that hotels and clubs use facial recognition technology solely for identifying banned individuals.

Any use of the system for tracking customers, surveillance, or marketing will be strictly prohibited. 

The government is also moving forward with plans for a third-party exclusion scheme, allowing family members, friends, or venue operators to request a gambling ban for individuals experiencing significant harm. 

Alongside these proposals, a draft Facial Recognition Code of Practice has been developed to guide pubs and clubs already utilising the technology, ensuring its responsible use in identifying self-excluded patrons. 

This code has been shaped through discussions with government officials, industry leaders, community groups, and privacy and cybersecurity experts. 

The Independent Panel for Gaming Reform has contributed recommendations on third-party exclusion and facial recognition technology, which have been incorporated into the discussion papers. 

The public consultation period is open until 14 March.

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