Gambling Research

There are few comprehensive studies of gambling in the Northern Territory. However one project commissioned by the Northern Territory Government in the mid-1990’s was undertaken by Jan McMillen and Samantha Togni: Study of Gambling in the Northern Territory 1996-97 . While much has occurred over the intervening years, this provides an important snapshot of how gambling once was in the Territory.

The Northern Territory Government is a partner in the national research program of Gambling Research Australia (GRA), an initiative of the Ministerial Council on Gambling. The program is undertaking a range of studies identified as national priorities for understanding and addressing problems associated with gambling behaviour. It also has a clearinghouse function for research articles. Details of the program can be found at www.gamblingresearch.org.au.

The GRA also provides a regular update on research projects being conducted by the various States and Territories. These updates can be accessed at the GRA website.

The Australian Government commissioned some developmental work for a study of young people and gambling. prepared by the South Australian Centre for Economic Studies.

In 2005 the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) completed a study of various gambling harm minimisation measures for New South Wales, entitled Gambling: Promoting a Culture of Responsibility.

A collaborative submission between Charles Darwin University and the Racing, Gaming and Licensing Division of Treasury has been successful in obtaining a grant from the Australian Research Council. The University issued a Press Release on 17 November 2004. The project is examining gambling among Aboriginal people and will provide a better understanding of its effects and the support that might need to be introduced to lessen any harms. The project is a three year post-graduate program and began in March 2005.

Gambling Prevalence in the NT

Charles Darwin University has completed the first assessment of the prevalence of different forms of gambling across the Northern Territory since 1996.  The Northern Territory Gambling Prevalence Survey 2005 presents details of the nature and extent of gambling, measures of problem gambling, the distribution and profitability of gaming machines, subjective expenditure and selected community attitudes.  The results are derived from a telephone survey of 1,873 Territorians in August-September 2005.  The study was funded by the Community Benefit Fund.

Economic Impact of NT Gambling

An economic analysis of the costs and benefits of gambling generally, and gaming machines more particularly, was completed by ACIL Tasman and Charles Darwin University.  The Economic Impact Of Gambling On The Northern Territory outlines the model used to evaluate the impact of gambling and translate impact into monetary value, it identifies the critical factors included in the model and it draws conclusion of the overall balance of costs and benefits to community welfare.  The study was funded by the Community Benefit Fund.

Uptake of Responsible Gambling Code

Gambling providers were surveyed in 2004 to gauge the extent to which practices recommended in the Northern Territory Responsible Code of Practice have been implemented.  The Code was designed to promote the adoption of best practice in the provision of responsible gambling. The results of the survey showed varying compliance across different gambling sectors and greater uptake of some recommendations and not others.  Improvements for the Code and its implementation were identified. Full details are available from Voluntary Implementation of the Northern Territory Code of Practice for Responsible Gambling.  

Measuring Problem Gambling

On December 1 2005 the national gambling research program, Gambling Research Australia, released a report entitled Problem Gambling and Harm: Towards A National Definition. The report is based on a review of literature and expert commentary. It identifies a definition of problem gambling that can be used consistently across the country to enhance discussion and research. It also recommends measurement tools for use in population studies and clinical settings. Copies of the report can be downloaded from the GRA website at www.gamblingresearch.org.au

Setting Personal Limits for Gambling

On 19 June 2006, Gambling Research Australia released a report entitled Analysis Of Gambler Pre-Commitment Behaviour. Based on interviews with gamblers across the country, the report looks at approaches used by people to set limits on their gambling and it explores the factors involved in the success or failure of those strategies. Results show most gamblers - whether problem or otherwise - typically set themselves amounts of money which they attempt to self-regulate during gambling. They also identify what that can lead to gamblers going over their limits and differences between problem gamblers and other gamblers and between gamblers in different gambling venues. Copies of the report can be downloaded from the GRA website www.gamblingresearch.org.au

Early Intervention and Prevention

In November 2007 Gambling Research Australia released a report entitled Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis Of Studies On Early Intervention And Prevention For Problem Gamblers. The report examines literature dealing with the effectiveness of different interventions. Only limited studies qualified for inclusion. The results found positive outcomes can be achieved and several principles are identified that might guide the design of primary prevention interventions. Copies of the report can be downloaded from the GRA website www.gamblingresearch.org.au.

Identifying Problem Gamblers

In November 2007 Gambling Research Australia released a report that examined the capacity for problem gamblers to be identified by staff at gambling venues. Relevant literature, venue observations and interview materials were analysed and revealed a list of potentially useful indicators. While acknowledging practical issues, these indicators may be incorporated into venue training and management to aid early intervention with problem gamblers. Copies of the report, entitled Identifying Problem Gamblers In Gambling Venues, can be downloaded from the GRA website at www.gamblingresearch.org.au