Australasian Gaming Commission
Gamblers and casinos in Australia and New Zealand are well-served by the Australasian Gaming Commission (AGC). The organization develops public policy frameworks that support multiple purposes:
- To research various aspects of in-person and interactive gambling
- To promote responsible gambling
- To educate the public on the gaming industry through a betting forum
- To maintain online research resources and statistical databases
- To release newsletters and issue papers to members
Currently, the AGC is conducting an extensive survey to collect information about online, interactive gambling in Australia. The research will center on how Aussies participate in the online gambling industry, whether through the Internet, digital TV or cell phone usage. The organization hopes to reach out to all adult Australians who have placed a wager, whether a free bet or paid one, in the last 12 months.
The study, entitled “Interactive Gambling”, is sponsored by Gambling Research Australia. Various professors are conducting the survey, representing the following Australian universities:
- Centre for Gambling Education and Research, Southern Cross University
- Gambling Research Unit, University of Sydney
- Monash University
- University of Lethbridge
Of course, participation in the survey is voluntary and confidential – it is used to gather statistical, not personal, information. Some of the questions include:
- Frequency of gambling on lottery and related tickets?
- Frequency of gambling on a sporting event, horse race or dog race?
- Do you play bingo or keno for money?
- How often do you bet in poker games or casino games?
- What’s your involvement with slot machines?
- Do you like to drink alcohol or take drugs when you bet?
- How much do you bet every month?
- How much do you lose every month?
The survey takes about 20 minutes to complete. A completed survey form paints a clear picture to researchers as to your gambling preferences and habits.
Perhaps the most interesting feature of the AGC website is its newsroom. The newsroom provides up-to-date gambling and gaming news from around the world. Recent stories have covered plans for a Eurovegas to be established near Madrid, Spain and how this is terrifying existing casino owners. Another interesting story involves the inception of legal online football fantasy league betting in Maryland. This development is an unintended consequence of a recently passed law.
As you can see, the AGC has its finger on the pulse of gambling activity all around the world. Many in Australia would like to see the rapid growth of more Las Vegas-style venues on the continent, and the AGC is on the forefront of the research that will help this dream come true.