Fewer Tasmanians betting, but problem gambling remains steady, study says
Fewer Tasmanian adults are having a bet, but the number of problem gamblers remains unchanged, a new study suggests.
The third social and economic impact study of gambling in Tasmania attributed a fall in gambling expenditure to the state's poor economic climate and a rise in online gambling.
The survey assessed gambling in 2013 and found 61 per cent had gambled in the previous 12 months, 10 per cent fewer than in 2008.
At the same time annual expenditure dropped 27 per cent to $310 million.
Report authors ACIL Allen Consulting suggested the decline was due to the state's poor economy and more people turning to online gambling, which is not measured in expenditure.
The survey analysed online gambling habits for the first time and found those that used online betting sites blew much more money than other gamblers.
The study found high-risk gamblers accounted for 2.4 per cent of the state's adults.
There was little change from the 2011 survey apart from an increase in the amount of non-gamblers to almost 40 per cent.
High-risk gamblers blew an average of $5,300 each a year, mainly on poker machines and horse and greyhound betting.
That accounted for one fifth of gambling expenditure overall.
Denison independent MP Andrew Wilkie said the report made for miserable reading and the only effective way to deal with problem gambling was a $1 maximum bet limit.
Mr Wilkie said he was alarmed the report found the Tasmanian Government's dependence on gambling-related revenue was higher than the national average.
He said state governments were "the biggest pokies addicts of all".
The second part of the study examining the effectiveness of harm minimisation strategies will be released later this year.