Dr Sally Gainsbury is the Co-Director of the University of Sydney Gambling Treatment and Research Clinic, Associate Professor in the School of Psychology, and Founder and Leader of the Technology Addiction Team within the Brain and Mind Centre. Connect with Gambling Treatment Clinic at Queen Street, Campbelltown, NSW. Campbelltown NSW 2560. Phone: 1800 482 482. University of Sydney.

1. Gambling Treatment Clinic - University Of Sydney Parramatta Nsw Australia
2. Gambling Treatment Clinic - University Of Sydney Parramatta Nsw University
3. Gambling Treatment Clinic - University Of Sydney Parramatta Nsw Map
4. Gambling Treatment Clinic - University Of Sydney Parramatta Nsw Harbour

The Responsible Gambling Fund funds research to support the development of evidence-based policy and programs in the area of responsible gambling.

The research listed below was funded by the Responsible Gambling Fund or undertaken in collaboration with other states and territories through Gambling Research Australia.

2020

This review aims to synthesise the findings of gambling literature published between 1 October 2018 and 23 April 2020 relating to harm prevention, minimisation, intervention and support and consider priority areas for future focus. Conducted by Dr Simone Rodda, the research was commissioned by the NSW Office of Responsible Gambling and funded through the Responsible Gambling Fund. More information is available in this summary.

More information is available in this summary.

This study aims to contribute to the review and potential improvement of Responsible Conduct of Gambling (RCG) practices in NSW venues. Conducted by Central Queensland University, the research was commissioned by the NSW Office of Responsible Gambling and funded through the Responsible Gambling Fund.

More information is available in this summary.

Shutdown periods for electronic gaming machines (6.7 MB)

This report examines the harm-reduction impact of time-based access to electronic gaming machines (EGMs), from the perspective of current literature as well as EGM players. The study aims to further understand the benefits of shutdowns, and the optimum time of day to shut down EGMs to reduce gambling by at-risk and problem gamblers. This research, conducted by Snapcracker Research + Strategy, was commissioned by the NSW Government and funded through the Responsible Gambling Fund.

More information is available in this summary.

Literature review of the impact of EGM characteristics on gambling harm (1.9MB)

This report examines literature in relation to the design characteristics of electronic gaming machines (EGMs). The review focuses on the attitude and behaviours of gamblers with respect to different characteristics and identifies aspects of harm and responsible gambling associated with different characteristics. This research, conducted by Schottler Consulting Pty Ltd, was commissioned by the NSW Government.

More information is available in this summary.

NSW Gambling Survey 2019 Report (Revised) (28.4 MB)

This report outlines the results of the NSW Gambling Survey 2019, conducted with adults aged 18 years and over living in NSW from November 2018 to February 2019. The NSW Gambling Survey 2019 was undertaken to understand gambling in NSW - who gambles, how gambling is changing, the extent of gambling harm in the community, and how different regions are affected.

This research, conducted by Central Queensland University, was commissioned by the NSW Office of Responsible Gambling, and funded through the Responsible Gambling Fund.

More information is available in this summary.

This report details the results of a rapid review of the gambling literature to produce a gap
analysis and prioritise key areas and emerging issues for research that require further
investigation. The review was undertaken to inform the Responsible Gambling Fund Research Agenda, which articulates research objectives and priority focus areas for the period 2019-2021.

More information is available in this summary.

The harm minimisation impact of third party exclusion schemes and possible future directions for NSW (PDF, 1.4MB)

This research examined the potential for a third-party exclusion scheme for pubs and clubs in New South Wales (NSW). This involves family, close friends and potentially even venues being able to exclude or ban a person from a venue/s to protect family or other parties being affected by the person’s gambling (including the gambler). This research, conducted by Schottler Consulting Pty Ltd, was commissioned by the NSW Government. More information is available in this summary

Research into the separation of ATMs and gaming machines in NSW (PDF, 1.3MB)

This research examined the potential for a minimum distance between cash devices (ATMs) and Electronic Gaming Machines (EGMs) in NSW hotels and clubs to minimise the harm of problem gambling. This research, conducted by Schottler Consulting Pty Ltd, was commissioned by the NSW Government. More information is available in this summary

Gambling Harm-Minimisation Signage Final Research Report (PDF, 2.43 MB)

Registered clubs and hotels with gambling areas and the casino are required by legislation to display harm minimisation signage. A research study was commissioned to identify the effectiveness of the signage in venues. The document outlines the research study, key findings and provides suggestions for future opportunities for harm minimisation signage.

Gambling Harm Minimisation Report (PDF, 4.6MB)

The Gambling Harm Minimisation research, conducted by the University of Sydney Gambling Treatment Clinic, was commissioned by the NSW Government.

This report determines the types of harm and demographics likely to be attributed to each gambling product; level of risk for harm for each gambling product; and the range of potentially effective strategies to help prevent the harm that may be associated with each gambling product.

NSW Government response to Gambling Harm Minimisation Recommendations (PDF, 122KB)

The Gambling Harm Minimisation report’s findings will continue to be used by the Government to ensure that rigorous safeguards remain effective at managing gambling related harm in NSW.

Impact evaluation of NSW Gambling Help services (PDF, 1.7MB)

This research evaluates the impact of gambling help services on problem gambling in NSW.

Innovation in traditional gambling products (PDF, 4.63MB)

This report investigates the effect of new innovative gambling products versus traditional counterparts on player behaviour in Australia.

The Role of Loyalty Programs in Gambling​ (PDF, 10.3MB)

This research examines the role that loyalty programs play in gaming machine gambling behaviour and problem gambling.

Responsible gambling and casinos​ (PDF, 7.2MB)

This research explores the relationship between Australian casinos and local gamblers, the regulatory environment and the effect of promotional and responsible gambling initiatives.

Gambler self-help strategies: A comprehensive assessment of self-help strategies and actions (PDF, 4.2MB)

This research provides a comprehensive list of self-help strategies and actions from a broad range of sources, and examines their uptake and helpfulness in an Australian context.

The Use of Social Media in Gambling (PDF, 4.4MB)

This research identifies and describes the availability and promotion of gambling and social casino game opportunities via social media.

Marketing of Sports Betting and Racing (PDF, 9.MB)

This research explores the impact of sports and race wagering marketing on gambling behaviour and intention among Australians.

Impact of Structural Characteristics of Electronic Gaming Machines​ (PDF, 4.7MB)

This research identifies structural characteristics of Electronic Gaming Machines (EGMs) within Australia and examines how different structural characteristics affect gambling behaviour.

Interactive Gambling (PDF, 7.2MB)

This research investigates how Australians are using interactive gambling services and the impact of interactive gambling on land-based gambling and gambling-related problems.

Validation Study of In-Venue Problem Gambler Indicators (PDF, 5.2MB)

The research sets out to validate a set of problem gambling behavioural indicators and identify people experiencing problems with gambling.

The Impact of Electronic Gambling Machine Jackpots on Gambling Behaviour (PDF, 3.6MB)

This research examines the impact of jackpots from electronic gaming machines on player behaviour.

Gambling and co-morbid disorder​ (PDF, 3.3MB)​​

This research examines the relationship between problem gambling and co-occurring disorders over time.

Prevalence of Gambling and Problem Gambling in NSW (PDF, 2.8MB)

​This report presents the findings from the 2011 NSW Gambling Survey which was conducted among the NSW adult population to measure the prevalence of gambling and problem gambling.

Needs Analysis of the NSW Problem Gambling Counselling and Support Services Program (PDF, 2.1MB)

This report presents key findings of a Needs Analysis of the NSW Problem Gambling Counselling and Support Services Program.

Gamblers at Risk and their Help-seeking Behaviour ​(PDF, 13.2MB)

​​This report identifies and analyses gamblers’ formal and informal help-seeking behaviour to assist the development of evidence-based policy and program interventions.

Gambling and Young People in Australia (PDF, 850KB)

This report analyses gambling behaviour of young people in Australia and the extent to which gambling is similar to, or distinct from, other risk-taking behaviour. The report also examines possible risk inhibitors and enhancers relevant to gambling and the levels at which gambling becomes problematic or an indicator of future pathology.

International Student Gambling: The Role of Acculturation, Gambling Cognitions and Social Circumstances (PDF, 1.8MB)​

This report investigates the gambling behaviour of international university students compared with domestic university students in Australia.

Correlates of Reported Gambling Problems in the CALD population of Australia (PDF, 308KB)

This report investigates gambling problems among culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities in Australia.

Factors that Influence Gambler Adherence to Pre-Commitment Decisions​ (PDF, 2.2MB)

This report investigates factors which influence gambler pre-commitment behaviour.​​

Representations of Gambling in English and Non-English speaking Australian Media (PDF, 373KB)

This report investigates how gambling is reported in culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities in Australia and assesses the feasibility of developing alternative media representations of gambling in CALD contexts.

Exploring Indigenous Gambling​ (PDF, 4.3MB)

This report investigates various aspects of Indigenous gambling and problem gambling in several Indigenous communities in New South Wales and Queensland.

Children at Risk of Developing Problem Gambling (PDF, 1.7MB)

This report investigates risk factors associated with the development of gambling problems in children who have a family member with a gambling problem.

Influence of Venue Characteristics on a Player's Decision to Attend a Gambling Venue​ (PDF, 15.6MB)

This report examines the influence of particular venue characteristics on gambling behaviour, especially in relation to electronic gaming machines.

A 20 Game Survey of Gaming Machine Volatility in NSW (PDF, 287KB)

This report describes a novel method of categorising game volatility and explores commonality between the reinforcement schedules of ten popular and ten less popular games in NSW.

Gambling Module: NSW Population Health Survey 2008-2009 (PDF, 3.6MB)

This report provides gambling related data, including problem gambling levels categorised by age, gender and socio-economic disadvantage, based on 9,408 telephone interviews.

The Definition and Predictors of Relapse in Problem Gambling (PDF, 3.8MB)

This report develops a definition of relapse, examines the predictors of relapse and proposes a model of relapse in problem gambling.

A Community Study – Employment Status and Gambling Pursuits in Greater Western Sydney (PDF, 3.9MB)

This report explores employment status and social recreational gambling pursuits in an urban community environment, with a focus on the relationship between residents' social environment and their leisure activities; the significance of access to local community recreational gambling venues; and the importance of employment status in relation to gambling activities.

A Review of Australian Gambling Research (PDF, 833KB)

This report provides a critical review of recent Australian gambling research and the extent to which this can be used to inform inter-jurisdictional and national public health policy, and inform national research priorities identified by Gambling Research Australia. Material reviewed in this report is derived from the period 1992 to June 2007, with emphasis on material dated 2003 – 2007.

Evaluation of the Six-Hour Shutdown of Electronic Gaming Machines in NSW (PDF, 1.2MB)

This report investigates the effectiveness of the 6 hour shutdown period of gaming machines in minimising gambling related harm.

Needs Analysis of Specialist Support Services for Problem Gambling Counselling in NSW (PDF, 3.1MB)
This report presents key findings of a comprehensive needs analysis of specialist support services for problem gambling counselling in NSW.​

Pressing Problems – Gambling Issues and Responses for NSW Aboriginal Communities

Part 1 (PDF, 2MB)​

Part 2 (PDF, 2MB)

This report explores the issue of gambling in a NSW Aboriginal community context to inform the development of future directions for action to prevent and alleviate gambling related problems and harms for Aboriginal people in NSW. ​

Prevalence of Gambling and Problem Gambling in NSW – A Community Survey 2006 (PDF, 1.1MB)
This report outlines the findings from the 2006 NSW Gambling Survey which was conducted among the NSW adult population to assess the prevalence of gambling and problem gambling in NSW.

Review of the Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Service provided by Life Activities Inc. (PDF, 185KB)​

This report reviews Life Activities Gambling Support Project to identify best practice strategies in the assessment, intervention and delivery of services to people with cognitive disability who have a gambling problem or are at risk of developing a gambling problem.

Gambling: Promoting a Culture of Responsibility – Consequential Report on Governance Structures (PDF, 278KB)​

This report investigates the effectiveness of current governance arrangements for the delivery of problem gambling policy and programs, with recommendations to ensure better co-ordination of policy development in this area.

Explaining the Attraction of Poker Machines: Cognition or Conditioning? (PDF, 117KB)
This report investigates the extent to which poker machine players choose the 'gamble' option and make stage two bets, and explores different theories of human behaviour that explain player attraction to the use of the gamble button.

Comparing Changes in Erroneous Beliefs/Perceptions, Subjective Arousal and Heart Rate between Cognitive Therapy and Imaginal Desensitisation in the Treatment of Pathological Gambling (PDF, 354KB)
This report investigates the therapeutic effect of cognitive therapy and imaginal desensitisation (relaxation-based technique) in the treatment of pathological gambling through common modes of action.

Gambling: Promoting a Culture of Responsibility (PDF, 1.5MB)
This report was conducted by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal to review the effectiveness of existing gambling harm minimisation measures and examine the impact of each measure on the general community, gamblers and problem gamblers.

The Identification of Near Misses in Electronic Gaming Machines and its Effect on Gambling Behaviour (PDF, 297KB)

This report explores factors that influence gambling on modern day electronic gaming machines, including the extent to which near misses influence gambling behaviour.

Problem Gamblers Receiving Counselling or Treatment in NSW – Eighth Survey​ ​(PDF, 980KB)

This report presents findings from the eighth annual survey of counsellors providing services for problem gamblers.

Withdrawal and Tolerance Phenomenon in Problem Gambling (PDF, 153KB)
This report compares and contrasts tolerance and withdrawal features in samples of gamblers and alcoholics as a preliminary attempt to test the addictions model of pathological gambling.

An Assessment of Member Awareness, Perceived Adequacy and Perceived Effectiveness of Responsible Gambling Strategies in Sydney Clubs (PDF, 642KB)

This report investigates club members' awareness, perceived adequacy and perceived effectiveness of responsible gambling strategies in Sydney clubs, following the enactment of the Registered Clubs Amendment (Responsible Gambling) Act 2000 NSW.

Assessment of the Research on Technical Modifications to Electronic Gaming Machines in NSW, Australia (PDF, 283KB)

This report reviews two research reports produced by the University of Sydney Gambling Research Unit and the Centre for International Economics. The research projects investigated the impact of proposed modifications to the operation of gaming machines on players and gaming venue revenue.

The Economic Impact of Gambling

Part 1 (PDF, 2MB)

Part 2 (PDF, 2MB)

Part 3 (PDF, 2MB)

This report investigates and compares levels of gambling expenditure in the states and territories of Australia, and assesses the economic impact of gambling in Victoria.

Evaluation of the Impact of the Three-Hour Shutdown of Gaming Machines (PDF, 2MB)

This report establishes the impact of the three hour shutdown of gaming machines, specifically the impact on problem gambling, recreational gamblers, venues and the wider community.

Gambling Treatment Clinic - University Of Sydney Parramatta Nsw Australia

Problem Gamblers Receiving Counselling or Treatment in New South Wales – Seventh Survey (PDF, 1.9MB)

This report presents the results of the seventh annual survey of counsellors providing services for problem gamblers.

Testing of Harm Minimisation Messages for Gaming Machines (PDF, 926KB)

This report evaluates the impact and effectiveness on gambling behaviour, of a series of ten harm minimisation messages screened during play of poker machines.

The Psychological Causes of Problem Gambling - A Longitudinal Study of At-Risk Recreational EGM Players (PDF, 12.7MB)

This report investigates the psychological predictors of impaired control over gambling and discusses their implications for gambling policy and treatment for problem gamblers.

Attention Deficit Disorder as a Risk Factor for Problem Gambling in Adolescents (PDF, 205KB)

This report investigates the prevalence and nature of gambling in samples of adolescents and young adults with a diagnosis of ADHD compared to a non-clinical group drawn from schools.

Gambling and Criminal Behaviour – An Analysis of Local and District Court Files (PDF, 958KB)

This report assesses gambling related crime in NSW as documented in case files to increase recognition of the social and economic costs of gambling.

Losing What You Win – The Relationship Between Lump Sum Workers Compensation Payments, Social Security Preclusion Periods and Gambling (PDF, 1.93MB)

This report examines the relationship between lump sum workers compensations payments, Social Security preclusions and gambling following an increase in the number of clients being assisted for expending lump sum compensation payments on gambling activities.

Problem Gamblers Receiving Counselling or Treatment in New South Wales – Sixth Survey (PDF, 188KB)

This report presents the results of the sixth annual survey of counsellors providing services for problem gamblers.​

Comparison of the Treatment Effectiveness of Three Therapies for Problem Gambling (PDF, 85KB)

This study reports best practice in treating problem gambling by comparing three treatment methods: cognitive therapy (CT), GMAP counselling and self-help resources.

Gambling and Crime Research Project

Part 1 (PDF, 2MB)

Part 2 (PDF, 1MB)

Gambling Treatment Clinic - University Of Sydney Parramatta Nsw University

This report investigates gambling related crimes committed in NSW in the period of 1995 – 1999. The investigation aims to determine the nature of the link between gambling and crime, and the direct and indirect social and economic impact of gambling related crime.

Impact Study into Cumulative Effects of Drug, Alcohol and Gambling Abuse on Families and Individuals in the Southern Shoalhaven (PDF, 4.4MB)

This report assesses the social costs of gambling, alcohol and substance abuse upon individuals and communities within the southern Shoalhaven area of NSW.

Problem Drinking/Problem Gambling – A Study of Co-morbid Individuals in NSW

Part 1 (PDF, 2MB)

Part 2 (PDF, 1MB)

Part 3 (PDF, 1MB)

This report investigates the proportion of problem drinkers who are problem gamblers and the proportion of problem gamblers that are problem drinkers, in order to define a population that could benefit from intervention or treatment.

Problem Gamblers Receiving Counselling or Treatment in New South Wales – Fifth Survey (PDF, 87KB)

This report presents the results of the fifth annual survey of counsellors providing services for problem gamblers.

The Assessment of the Impact of the Reconfiguration on Electronic Gaming Machines as Harm Minimisation Strategies for Problem Gambling (PDF, 87KB)

This report evaluates the differential impact of modifications to the structural characteristics of electronic gaming machines (EGMs) on problem and recreational gamblers. The report also determines the possibility of negative unintended effects associated with the structural changes.

An Evaluation of the Effectiveness of a Treatment Program for Pathological Gamblers

Part 1 (PDF, 2MB)

Part 2 (PDF, 2MB)

Part 3 (PDF, 1MB)

Part 4 (PDF, 2MB)

This report provides empirical evidence on the efficacy and effectiveness of specific treatment interventions for problem gamblers and various aspects of clinical management of pathological gamblers that guide best practice approaches to the development of comprehensive treatment programs for problem gamblers and their families in New South Wales.

Gambling Problems in a Multicultural Society (PDF, 58KB)

This report discusses the implications of cultural factors in the management of problem gambling among ethnic populations.

The Impact of the Sydney Casino on the Social Composition and Residential Amenity of the Residents of Pyrmont-Ultimo

Part 1 (PDF, 2MB)

Part 2 (PDF, 2MB)

Part 3 (PDF, 4MB)

This report integrates and synthesises findings of previous studies and most recent work on the impact of the Sydney Casino on the social composition and residential amenity of the residents of Pyrmont Ultimo.

Problem Gamblers Receiving Counselling or Treatment in New South Wales – Fourth Survey (PDF, 96KB)

This report presents the results of the fourth annual survey of counsellors providing services for problem gamblers.

Youth Gambling in New South Wales

Part 1 (PDF, 2MB)

Part 2 (PDF, 1MB)

This report examines the economic and social impacts of gambling on young people in New South Wales.

Problem Gamblers Receiving Counselling or Treatment in New South Wales – Third Survey (PDF, 87KB)

This report presents the results of the third annual survey of counsellors providing services for problem gamblers.

Money, Meaning and Gambling – A Qualitative Study of the Gambling Experiences of Some Young Homeless People in Inner Sydney (PDF, 1.3MB)
This report explores the issue of gambling from the perspective of young homeless people in Sydney, to inform policy decisions about appropriate services and interventions.

An Examination of the Socio-Economic Effects of Gambling on Individuals, Families and the Community, including Research into the Costs of Problem Gambling in New South Wales

Part 1 (PDF, 2MB)

Part 2 (PDF, 1MB)
This report presents updated findings from an earlier 1995 study on the socio-economic effects of gambling on individuals, families and the community.

Problem Gamblers Receiving Counselling or Treatment in New South Wales –Second Survey (PDF, 830KB)

This report presents the results of the second annual survey of counsellors providing services for problem gamblers.

Evaluating the Current and Future Adequacy of Services for Problem Gamblers in Sydney

Part 1 (PDF, 2MB)

Part 2 (PDF, 1MB)

This report evaluates current and future adequacy of services available to social, demographic and ethnic populations in Sydney that are identified as most at risk of developing problem poker machine gambling behaviours.

Poker Machine Playing and Problem Gambling Amongst Members of Sydney's Registered Clubs

Part 1 (PDF, 3MB)

Part 2 (PDF, 3MB)

Part 3 (PDF, 3MB)

This report compares social, demographic and ethnic characteristics of poker machine players, including problem poker machine players, in some of the largest Sydney registered clubs.

Problem Gamblers Receiving Counselling or Treatment in New South Wales – Baseline Survey (PDF, 49KB)

This report presents the results of the first annual survey of counsellors providing services for problem gamblers.

Young People, Gambling and the Internet

Part 1 (PDF, 1MB)

Part 2 (PDF, 1MB)

Part 3 (PDF, 666KB)

This report explores youth attitudes to gambling and their knowledge and experiences of online gambling. The report also analyses experts and service providers’ level of awareness of control security mechanisms to regulate young people’s access to online gambling services.

A Preliminary Exploration of the Positive and Negative Impacts of Gambling and Wagering on Aboriginal People in NSW (PDF, 1.2MB)

This report analyses data from a survey of Aboriginal respondents in New South Wales on the impacts of gaming and wagering.

Study 2 – An Examination of the Socio-economic Effects of Gambling on Individuals, Families and the Community, including Research into the Costs of Problem Gambling in NSW

Part 1 (PDF, 2MB)

Gambling Treatment Clinic - University Of Sydney Parramatta Nsw Map

Part 2 (PDF, 1MB)
This study examines the socio-economic effects of gambling on individuals, families and the community via three main components: an appraisal of the importance of gaming and wagering to the NSW economy; a door-knock survey; and an appraisal of the economic costs of problem gambling to the NSW community.

Socio-Demographic Characteristics of Resident Populations Supporting Poker Machine Playing in Sydney's Registered Clubs

Part 1 (PDF, 2MB)

Part 2 (PDF, 1MB)

Part 3 (PDF, 489KB)

Part 4 (PDF, 559KB)

Part 5 (PDF, 700KB)

This study represents the first stage of a larger project examining poker machine playing behaviour in Sydney registered clubs. This report identifies the social and demographic characteristics that tend to support registered clubs and their poker machine gaming activities in the Sydney Statistical Division.

Study 1 - A scan of problem gambling-related services in NSW

Part 1 (PDF, 2MB)

Part 2 (PDF, 331KB)

This report provides a summary of persons, organisations, services and facilities in New South Wales that conduct research into gambling or provide assistance to problem gamblers and their families.

Clinical Solutions

Vesna Stamwnkovic: 0421 037 646

• Drug or alcohol treatment
• Medical or mental health treatment

Shining Stars Foundation

Gambling Treatment Clinic - University Of Sydney Parramatta Nsw Harbour

WDO contact: 0419 690 223

• Drug or alcohol treatment
• Educational/vocational or life skills course
• Financial or other counselling
• Medical or mental health treatment
• Mentoring program (persons under 25 years)
• Voluntary unpaid work

Special requirements:

• Work with Children & Police Check must be completed

South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD) - Drug Health Services

Valda Burge: 02 8778 0700

• Drug or alcohol treatment

University of Sydney, Gambling Treatment Clinic

WDO contact: 02 9036 9336

• Financial or other counselling
• Voluntary unpaid work

Special requirements:

• Problem gambling clients only