The study was commissioned by Gambling Research Australia and undertaken by the Centre for Gambling Education and Research, Southern Cross University, Lismore NSW.

This exploratory study provides analyses of gambler venue choice and venue characteristics to determine the features of different types of premises that are more or less likely to attract and/or maintain problem gamblers. Premises included hotels, clubs, casinos and stand-alone TAB outlets.

In choosing where to gamble, gamblers (from a national survey) and problem gamblers in treatment prioritised good service, a safe and secure environment, while EGM gamblers also preferred low denomination machines. Those who gamble at the TAB preferred a location convenient to home.

Potential risk factors identified for the general population of gamblers and problem gamblers in treatment whose most frequented venue is a hotel, club or casino or a stand-alone TAB includes:

• gambler based risk factor for the general population of gamblers - extended opening hours
• venue-based risk factors for TAB clients include - TAB is easy to get to and easy access to an ATM
• venue based risk factors for problem gamblers in treatment - include the venue has extended opening hours and easy access to ATMs in venues.