Sports betting is becoming an increasingly common activity among Australian men, particularly those between the ages of 18 and 44.
New research from The University of Melbourne reveals a significant surge in betting, with the rate of sports betting in this demographic increasing by a staggering 65 per cent since 2015.
Findings show that the average monthly spending on sports betting has risen from $85 to nearly $110.
So why are more young men betting more on sports?
Australia already has one of the highest rates of gambling losses globally, with over $25 billion lost annually.
While gambling remains legal and widespread—more than 70 per cent of Australian adults gamble at least once a year.
On Monday morning’s episode of The Briefing, we talked to three young men who regularly bet on sports to explore whether sports betting is a real problem, if tougher restrictions are needed, and whether they could quit if they had to.
Ben, an Australian young man interested in sports, said that betting on sports is “kind of like having sprinkles on ice cream”.
“I love my footy, but being able to put on it adds that little extra level of engagement,” Liam echoed.
Advertising also plays a critical role in this surge. Studies show that three in four Aussie kids can recall at least one sports betting brand, with advertising dominating social media, TV, radio, and even sports venues.
“I don’t see how that is any different from, say, fast food, which can also have detrimental effects on a person. I don’t know the stats off the top of my head, but I bet four out of four kids could name fast food joints.”
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