The NSW Government’s Minister for Gaming and Racing, Kevin Greene has called for tenders from researchers to undertake a study into the prevalence of gambling and problem gambling in New South Wales.
The survey, funded by a grant of up to AUS $250 000 from the Responsible Gambling Fund will interview at least 10 000 people on their gambling habits over the previous 12 months.
The Canadian Problem Gambling Index will be used and topics will include the impact of technology such as online gambling and the easy access afforded by mobile phones, other hand-held devices and laptops.
The last survey, completed in 2006 with 5000 respondents was undertaken by ACNielsen and the same methodology will be used to provide an effective comparison.
The 2006 survey found 64.5 percent of the adult population were non-problem gamblers, 31percent didn’t gamble at all, 1.6 percent were at moderate risk of become problem gamblers and 0.8 percent were problem gamblers.
The survey is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2011 and be completed by the fourth quarter of 2011.