Sports betting surges as more Queenslanders say they have a problem

Sports betting has soared in popularity in Queensland and now rakes in more money than all the poker machines in all the clubs across the state.

A new government survey of almost 15,000 Queenslanders has identified significant shifts in gambling habits, with declining participation rates for poker machines, Keno, and betting on horse racing since 2016-17.

In that time, sports betting has surged, particularly among young men, with the statewide participation rate increasing from 6.9 per cent to 9.6 per cent. Lotteries, instant scratch tickets and art union tickets remain the most popular.

Sports betting is growing in popularity in Queensland, and now rakes in more money than poker machines in clubs.Credit: iStock

Separate financial data reveals more than $3.3 billion was gambled in Queensland during the last six months of 2023. More money is now spent on sports betting than on poker machines in the club sector.

Over the last two decades, the proportion of the survey respondents who describe themselves as non-gamblers has doubled to 30.24 per cent. More recently, however, the proportion of problem gamblers has nearly doubled, from 0.37 per cent in 2008-09 to 0.64 per cent in 2023.

One third of problem gamblers said they wanted help to get their habit under control.

After an audit report criticised efforts to minimise gambling harm, the Miles Labor government doubled the amount of funding available in the last budget.

Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath said the survey results would help direct support to where it was needed.

The survey showed those who gambled online were two to three times more likely to have a problem. Sports betting first gained popularity during the social distancing restrictions of the pandemic.

“The proliferation of sports betting products and advertising in recent years has no doubt contributed to the rise in the number of people participating in that type of gambling activity,” D’Ath said.

“Regulation of sports betting advertising is a Commonwealth responsibility, and I
understand they are considering the recommendations of a parliamentary inquiry into
this matter.”

D’Ath said the government had also launched a campaign to encourage younger Queenslanders to enjoy sport without having to bet on the outcome.

Since the last Queensland survey was conducted, participation in poker machine gambling has declined from 24.7 per cent to 21 per cent.

The Star Entertainment Group has also come under the spotlight. With Queen’s Wharf due to open from next month, the casino giant’s revenue has also fallen amid increased competition.

According to new figures from the Office and Liquor and Gaming Regulation, 30 per cent, or just over $1 billion, of the money gambled in Queensland during the six-month period went into 19,137 poker machines in 687 hotels.

Casinos still collected the most money of any single venue, with $378 million spent across four sites and a combined 3715 poker machines. However, their overall take was down.

More money ($766 million) was spent on sports betting than poker machines in clubs ($750 million).