Abstract

The public sees pokies as part of the problem, and government regulation as part of the solution, according to the tenth ANU Poll.

The poll, Public Opinion on Gambling, took a snapshot of Australian attitudes towards gambling and potential government regulation. It found there was considerable support for at least some forms of government regulation – including pre-commitment betting limits – even among people who gamble frequently.

However, the poll also found that the public is concerned that gambling regulation should not go too far. Two thirds of respondents believed people should have the right to gamble whenever they want, while 42 per cent believe the government has no right to restrict a person’s gambling. Only 24 per cent were supportive of a total ban on gambling.

The poll also found that people most often associate gambling problems with playing poker machines, followed by gambling on horse and greyhound races and casino table games. Also, people believe there are too many opportunities for people to gamble.

Among the other findings from the poll are:

• Less than half the respondents thought that gambling activities are advertised responsibly, and only a third thought that gambling regulations are properly enforced.
• Problem gambling is associated, in the public mind, with alcohol abuse, suicide, marital problems, parental neglect and being less compassionate.
• Close to half of respondents (47 per cent) believed that people with gambling problems would be likely to experience discrimination from others.
• While most Australians would know where to turn to get help for gambling problems, 39 per cent said they would not know where to go.

This is the tenth ANU Poll. ANU Poll is a regular survey of Australian public opinion on matters of national importance. It forms part of the mission of the university to conduct research of the highest quality and to engage with government and the community on public policy issues. This poll was conducted by Dr Tanya Davidson and Associate Professor Jonathan Mond from the Centre for Gambling Research at ANU, with Professor Ian McAllister from the ANU School of Political and International Relations.

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