Gambling Research Publications

The Fifth Economic and Social Impact Study was undertaken by the South Australian Centre for Economic Studies in conjunction with the School of Psychology at the University of Adelaide, Centre of Policy Studies at Victoria University, ENGINE a specialist in undertaking large scale surveys and Corinna Economic Advisory.

The terms of reference to guide the study referred to two distinct tasks and accordingly the research is provided in two volumes:

• Volume 1: an analysis of key trends and comparisons with other states and territories, including, but not limited to: an update of the gambling industry structure and characteristics; changes and trends in gambling behaviour; and revenue; and
• Volume 2: undertake a gambling prevalence study to enable comparisons with previous Tasmanian prevalence studies.

Further information on the Fifth Social and Economic Impact Study of Gambling in Tasmania, including public submissions that were made to the fifth study is available from the Tasmanian Department of Treasury and Finance .

By Michael O'Neil, Steve Whetton, Anthony Kosturjak, Jim Hancock, Tania Dey, Dr Paul Delfabbro, Glyn Wittwer, Saul Eslake, Kerry Sproston, Kate Brook, Phil Hughes and Katherine Tran, June 2021.

YourPlay (the Victorian pre-commitment scheme for electronic gaming machine gambling) was introduced as part of a broader suite of measures aimed at promoting a responsible, sustainable and transparent gambling industry including the establishment of the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation (VRGF) and the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR). This report represents the final report of the evaluation, consolidating earlier findings around the implementation of the scheme with an assessment of the extent to which the scheme has achieved its targeted outcomes, the costs of delivery, and the cost effectiveness of the scheme.

Report prepared for the Victorian Department of Justice and Community Safety (2019) by Steven Whetton, Michael O’Neil, Paul Delfabbro, Kerry Sproston, Suraya Abdul Halim, Tania Dey, Clare Hanley, Lauren Kaye, Anthony Kosturjak, Katherine Tran and Alison Wood.

In the report Responsible Gambling and Casinos, commissioned by Gambling Research Australia (2015), the South Australian Centre for Economic Studies provides the nation’s first detailed snapshot of the Australian casino gambling environment, including information from casino gambling operators and patrons, and an assessment of various responsible gambling practices.

The report considers the evolution of the casino industry, recent international developments and ‘just who are casino gamblers’? The report also provides an extensive summary of the gambling industry in each state and territory.

The Relationship between Crime and Electronic Gaming Expenditure: Evidence from Victoria

This study uses a unique set of data from the Australian state of Victoria, a region in which local area expansion of gaming networks has been considerable since 1991, to investigate the relationship between gaming machine expenditure and various types of crime in 1996, 2001 and 2006. One particular focus is that of income-generating crime, defined here as theft, fraud, breaking and entering, forgery, false pretences, larceny and robbery. After controlling for a host of statistical issues, our results indicate a consistent positive and significant relationship between gaming and crime rates, especially income-generating crime rates, at the local level.

Published in the Journal of Quantitative Criminology, 27(3), 315-338 (2011). Prepared by Sarah Wheeler, David Round and John Wilson.

Problem Gamblers and the Role of the Financial Sector

The focus of this report was to ascertain the behaviour of problem gamblers in Australia with regards to accessing funds, particularly from joint bank and/or home loan accounts, and to consult with the financial sector, relevant government agencies, financial counsellors and gambling counsellors, to make recommendations about measures the financial sector can implement to reduce the risk of problem gamblers withdrawing funds from these accounts with which to gamble.

Prepared for the former Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (2010) by Dr Nicola Chandler, Anthony Kosturjak and Michael O'Neil.

Social and Economic Impact Study into Gambling in Tasmania

• Volume 1
• Volume 2: The Prevalence Study

This project comprised an analysis and review of the social, financial and economic impact of gambling in Tasmania. The study involved a large-scale prevalence survey, public submissions and extensive data analysis. In addition to the prevalence survey to identify the incidence of problem gambling in Tasmania and community attitudes towards gambling, key elements of the study included an overview of the history and structure of the gambling industry in Tasmania, analysis of trends in gambling participation including regional variations in gambling expenditure, investigation of the relationship between gambling and employment, tourism and crime, government revenues and outlays associated with gambling, the nature of existing harm minimisation measures, and quantification of the benefits and costs of gambling.

Prepared for the Department of Treasury and Finance (Tasmania) (2008) by Michael O'Neil, Nicola Chandler, Anthony Kosturjak, Steve Whetton, Sarah Wheeler, the School of Psychology (University of Adelaide) with the assistance of Harrison Health Research (Adelaide).

The South Australian Gambling Industry
Incorporating Phase One: Profile of the Gambling Industry and Phase Two: Economic Impact of Gambling

This was a major study of the economic profile of and the impact of the gambling industry in South Australia. As part of phase one the researchers prepared an overview of the history of gambling in South Australia, developed a profile of the size, scope and structure of the industry, analysed changes and trends in gambling behaviour and participation, considered the impact of gambling on non-gambling measures, and identified government revenues and payments associated with gambling. In the phase two report, the researchers identified and discussed the economic benefits and costs associated with gambling, examined the issue of expenditure switching associated with the introduction of gambling, examined trends in employment by sector, derived estimates of problem gamblers from expenditure data using a methodology developed by the researchers, derived an estimate of the net social benefit (cost) of gambling in South Australia, and used economic techniques to investigate any links between crime and gambling using regional data.

Prepared for the Independent Gambling Authority (2006) by Michael O'Neil, Anthony Kosturjak, Paul Huntley, Steve Whetton, Sarah Wheeler and Pauline Halchuk.

Problem Gambling and Harm: Towards a National Definition

The first national project for the Ministerial Council on Gambling with the aim to establish a national definition of problem gambling and a review of instruments to assess problem gambling prevalence. This study involved a literature review and consultations with a range of stakeholders. Despite there being extensive differences in stakeholders' perspectives on gambling issues, the SA Centre for Economic Studies was able to achieve national consensus and agreement on a definition of problem gambling.

Prepared for the Ministerial Council on Gambling (2005) by Dr Penny Neal, Dr Paul Delfabbro and Michael O'Neil.

Study of the Impact of Caps on Electronic Gaming Machines

In this project the SA Centre for Economic Studies evaluated the performance of regional caps in Victoria in relation to the "harms" associated with gaming on vulnerable communities. In particular - the impact of the caps - or other policy interventions - on the incidence of problem gambling and the associated social and economic effects was addressed. The study involved a literature review and consultations with researchers to identify various methods used to control problem gambling, econometric data analysis using demographic and socio-economic variables to select "control" regions, consultations with the local community and further econometric analysis to formally test the effect that government policies may have had on gaming activity.

Prepared for the former Victorian Gambling Research Panel (2005) by Michael O'Neil, Steve Whetton, Ben Dolman, Marianne Dolman and Voula Giannopoulus.

Community Impacts of Electronic Gaming Machine Gambling,

• Part A
• Part B

This project considered the community impact of EGM gambling by comparing the starkly different gambling environments that exist in Victoria and Western Australia. The community impact of EGM gambling was analysed at both the state and regional level. Relative differences in gambling expenditure, employment levels and problem gambling were analysed at the state level. Four matched regions in each state were also identified and compared for, inter alia, differences in community attitudes, participation in gaming, the change in local clubs, visits to local GPs, and use of ATMs in hotels and clubs. Regional level data was compiled from community surveys undertaken to assess attitudes and behaviours relevant to participation in gambling, supplemented by interviews with various stakeholders, the gambling industry, surveys of local GPs, financial counsellors and gambling counsellors.

Prepared for the former Victorian Gambling Research Panel (2005) by Michael O'Neil, Steve Whetton, Dr Penny Neal, Ben Dolman, Marianne Dolman and Anthony Kosturjak.

This report examined the changing face of wagering in the Victorian racing industry as part of ongoing research into the dimensions of gambling and problem gambling. The critical objective of the research was to identify the principal changes and those ‘key drivers’ of change in order to inform government policy and programs.

Report prepared in conjunction with Swinburne Institute for Social Research and University of Western Sydney for the former Victorian Gambling Research Panel (2005).

The Evaluation of Self-Exclusion Programs,

• Part A: Evaluation of Self-Exclusion Programs and Harm Minimisation Measures
• Part B: Summary of Australian States and Territories Self-Exclusion Programs and Harm Minimisation Policies/Strategies

This project considered the effectiveness of voluntary self-exclusion programs and related initiatives in Victoria and other Australia jurisdictions. This involved reviewing the international literature and theoretical framework said to support self-exclusion programs and conducting wide-ranging consultations, interviews and surveys with stakeholders including Gaming Ministers and regulators. Conclusions regarding the effectiveness of self exclusion and recommendations for improving the existing Victorian self-exclusion program were made.

Prepared for the former Victorian Gambling Research Panel (2003) by Michael O'Neil, Steve Whetton, Ben Dolman, Marianne Herbert, Voula Giannopoulus, Diana O'Neil and Jacqui Wordley.

Measurement of Prevalence of Youth Problem Gambling in Australia: Report on Review of Literature

The SA Centre for Economic Studies was engaged to review and report on the literature relating to the measurement of the prevalence of youth problem gambling in Australia. This involved a thorough review of methodologies for measuring problem gambling prevalence, including their respective strengths and weaknesses, the application and results of selected prevalence studies, and a discussion of methodological considerations, including issues involved in developing a national youth gambling prevalence survey of 15-24 year olds.

Prepared for the Department of Family and Community Services (2003) by Michael O'Neil, Steve Whetton and Karin Duerrwald.

A supplementary submission prepared for the Provincial Cities Association for South Australia (2003), and submitted to the Inquiry into the Management of Machine Numbers in South Australia conducted by the SA Independent Gambling Authority.

A submission prepared for the Provincial Cities Association of South Australia (2003) and submitted to the Inquiry into the Management of Machine Numbers in South Australia conducted by the SA Independent Gambling Authority.

The Impact of Gaming Machines on Small Regional Economies

The SA Centre for Economic Studies developed new evaluation methodologies to assess the economic and social impact of gaming machines, which has given rise to several interesting policy implications. This was a large scale, state-wide research study that involved a variety of research techniques including impact assessment, benefit cost analysis, focus groups, and identification of "at risk profiles" for regions based on analysis of demographic data.

Prepared for the Provincial Cities Association of SA (2001) by Michael O'Neil, Anthony Kosturjak and Steve Whetton.