Research underway
Discover the projects that we have commissioned or funded that are in the works right now.
How our research program works
All the research projects below are part of our Research Plan 2023-2024. The program aligns with and progresses the Responsible Gambling Fund (RGF) Research Agenda 2021–2024, and includes commissioned and grant-funded projects as well as national research projects receiving funding support from the RGF through Gambling Research Australia (GRA).
The current program of studies covers a diverse range of topics, populations and methodologies and aligns to our 2021-2024 priority research themes:
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individual and community level gambling harm-minimisation
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regulation of gambling products, practices and environments
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gambling among vulnerable or target groups
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emerging gambling technologies and new trends
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measuring and understanding gambling prevalence and harm
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efficacy and effectiveness of treatments.
NSW Longitudinal Youth Gambling Survey
Researcher: Central Queensland University
April 2024 - February 2025
The purpose of this study is to better understand the causal factors that influence gambling transitions and gambling harm in the young people of NSW. The current project will perform the second wave of a longitudinal study, with the first wave undertaken in 2020. This prospective longitudinal research will examine how personal, parental, peer and environmental factors impact on transitions between gaming, simulated gambling, gambling, and problem gambling. This project will also incorporate a qualitative component to investigate gambling transitions that occur as people turn 18 and can legally gamble. This research will inform services, education, and awareness programs, as well as policy and regulatory advice.
NSW Gambling Survey 2024
Researcher: Central Queensland University
March 2024 – September 2024
The NSW Gambling Survey 2024 is a representative, population-based study of NSW adults. It is the primary source of data about gambling participation, behaviour and attitudes in NSW and the prevalence of gambling problems and gambling harm. The study will provide valuable evidence to help inform future gambling policy and ensure harm minimisation measures in NSW are targeted and effective. The previous NSW Gambling Survey 2019 surveyed 10,000 NSW adults.
Family and domestic violence and gambling harm: Developing the evidence-base for prevention programs and intervention services in NSW
Researcher: Australian National University
November 2023 – June 2025
Gambling harm and family and domestic violence (FDV) often co-occur and present challenges for prevention and intervention programs, including planning for coordinated responses. The aim of this project is to provide local evidence that supports improved policy and practice to address co-occurring gambling harm and FDV in NSW through identification of; (1) geographical areas where targeted responses are needed; and (2) service needs and gaps in responding to co-occurring FDV and gambling harm in current gambling and FDV service. Outcomes will inform decisions about cross-service planning, gambling regulation, and public health strategies.
Live Streaming Gambling: Who watches, why, and what effects is it having?
Researcher: University of Sydney
September 2023 – September 2024
The objective of this research is to establish the first ever body of knowledge about live streaming gambling in Australia (and globally). Drawing on interviews, surveys, observation and a study of gambling live streaming as reported in the news, this project will provide academic insights, accessible reports, and actionable policy suggestions to address the potential impacts of these channels.
Early identification of gambling comorbidity in a hospital setting
Researcher: Western Sydney University
July 2019 – March 2024
This is a multi-site research project in South West Sydney. It includes a systematic review and empirical field research to determine the prevalence of gambling comorbidity among people presenting to hospital with substance use or psychiatric problems, as well as the awareness and openness of hospital staff to assessing gambling comorbidity.
The Australian Secondary School Students Survey (ASSAD) – NSW gambling research
Researcher: The University of Newcastle
March 2022 – June 2024
This research will see the inclusion of gambling questions into the Australian Secondary School Alcohol and Drug Survey (ASSAD) administered to students NSW.
ASSAD is the most comprehensive survey of Australia secondary school students examining alcohol and drug use, as well as other health and psychological issues. This is a triennial national survey, with field work for the next survey scheduled for 2023.
Evaluation of just-in-time intervention apps to reduce gambling harm, providing ‘in-the-moment’ support for gamblers
Researcher: Deakin University
April 2022 – December 2024
This research is designed to evaluate the first just-in-time interventions to reduce gambling harm for problem and at-risk gamblers. Two smartphone apps derived from evidence-based conceptual models have been developed and will now be evaluated with a 28-day micro-randomised trial (MRT), a 6-month within group follow-up, an evaluation of acceptability via post-intervention surveys, app usage and engagement indices, and in-depth interviews.
The Responsible Gambling Fund provides the NSW contribution to Gambling Research Australia for a range of research studies
GRA is a partnership between the Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments to initiate and manage a national gambling research program. The NSW contribution is funded by the Responsible Gambling Fund.
Research currently underway includes:
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Direct and affiliate wagering marketing of wagering services and gambling-related harm
Visit the Gambling Research Australia website for more information.
