Australia has one of the highest rates of gambling spending per person in the world. Gambling on electronic gaming machines (EGMs) accounts for most of the money spent. This study looked at the short- and long-term relationship between gambling spending on EGMs and crime in New South Wales, Australia. The researchers analyzed the effect of gambling spending on crime over the period from the week of December 28, 2015, to the week of January 5, 2020. Gambling spending was measured as monthly gross EGM profit for each local government area.
The researchers found that increases in gambling spending were associated with higher crime rates in the long run. Each 10% increase in gambling spending was associated with an annual increase of 7.4% in assaults; 10.5% increase in break and enter (dwelling) offences; and 10.3% increase in break and enter (non-dwelling) offences. It was also associated with an annual increase of 11% in motor vehicle theft offences; 8.2% increase in offences related to stealing from a motor vehicle; and 7.4% increase in fraud offences.
