New research led by the Australian Gambling Research Centre at the Australian Institute of Family Studies investigated the harms and predictors of consuming gambling and alcohol at the same time in young Australians (aged 16–35 years). The ‘Bets ’n’ Booze study’ undertook an online survey of people who had gambled in the past year, and interviewed people who reported drinking while gambling.

The research found that half of participants consumed alcohol when gambling. It found that licensed venues created an environment where gambling and alcohol were enjoyed together and that young adults frequently consumed alcohol and gambled together for social reasons.

The research found that people who started gambling when underage were at a higher risk of experiencing gambling harm as an adult than those who started gambling when they were of legal age. The same was true for those who started drinking while underage.

The research highlights the need for targeted awareness and education on the co-consumption of gambling and alcohol and possible related harms. It can be used to inform public health policies aimed at reducing gambling and alcohol harm.

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