The government of Victoria, Australia has announced it will provide grants totaling AU$600,000 (US$450,000) for research into the effects of Covid-19 and associated shutdowns on gambling habits.
According to local media, the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation will award the grants to six research projects over three years. The study will look at economic insecurity and gambling behaviors in Victoria during the pandemic and if other leisure activities can reduce the urge to gamble among residents.
“The most recent publicly available data shows online race and sports betting increased by 30 percent compared to the same period the year before,” said Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation CEO Shane Lucas. “It’s critical we understand and learn from these changes in gambling behavior.”
Melissa Horne, of the Ministry for Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, added, “We know that throughout the pandemic and the associated lockdown, some Victorians benefitted from an enforced break from in-venue gambling, while others found it incredibly challenging.
“To be able to plan and respond to gambling harm effectively, we need to know how Covid-19 affected gambling behaviors. This funding will be incredibly beneficial in understanding how those vulnerable to gambling were impacted by the pandemic.”
Gaming halls in the state have about 30,000 slot machines. Of those, more than 2,600 are allocated to Crown Melbourne, with the remainder divided between the state’s pubs and clubs. All were forced to suspend operation during Victoria’s four-month lockdown last year.
