Sports betting is the fastest growing form of gambling in Victoria. Research suggests the proliferation of sports betting advertising and increased accessibility through smartphones are major contributors to this upsurge. Many Victorians have expressed concern about these developments, particularly the potential impact on children and young people.

We asked survey participants about the convergence of gambling and sport.

More than 80 per cent of people aged 55+ believe adolescents are exposed to too much gambling advertising, compared to around 65 per cent of people aged 18–54 agreeing with this statement.

One in eight Victorians (12.7 per cent) believes betting makes sport more enjoyable. Those aged 18–34 are almost twice as likely (18.3 per cent) as people aged 55+ (9.8 per cent) to believe this.

On 30 March 2018, the Australian Government introduced bans on gambling advertising during broadcasts of live sport between 5 am and 8.30 pm. Find out more: New gambling ad rules introduced.

A recent study funded by the Foundation explored the gambling behaviours and motivations of young men who watch or play sports, including their attitudes towards gambling promotion. Read the 2018 research report Weighing up the odds: young men, sports and betting.

Researchers Samantha Thomas, Hannah Pitt and Amy Bestman explain why doing nothing about sports betting marketing is taking a gamble with our kids.

Read more about gambling advertising.

Find out how the community attitudes survey was conducted.