The purpose of this study was to compare changes in gambling and problem gambling among adults living in Victoria, Australia, between 2008 and 2018 within the context of the local gambling ecosystem. The researchers analyzed data from three population prevalence studies and mapped the changes against local policy and environment changes. The findings show that gambling participation decreased from 73% in 2008 to 69% in 2018. But the prevalence of problem gambling did not decrease. Participation in four mainly higher risk activities increased between 2008 and 2018: racing, sports betting, table games, and Keno. Decreases in participation occurred in the following activities: electronic gaming machines (EGMs), and lower risk activities; raffle tickets, competitions, lotto, scratch tickets, and bingo. Gambling online increased from 4.8% to 19% between 2008 and 2018. EGMs continued to pose the greatest risk of problem gambling. Males and younger adults had higher risk than females and older adults. These changes occurred within an ecosystem of gambling access and exposure proliferation, ineffective voluntary interventions, and stronger more effective regulatory reform.
