The aim of this study was to explore the risk of problem gambling and gambling-related harm associated with skill-based gaming machines (SGMs). The research consisted of an environmental scan, a literature review, a skill-based experiment, interviews with SGM gamblers and a skill-based survey.

Findings indicate that SGMs may increase gambling harm and encourage repeated play among people who are already experiencing a gambling problem. Young males and people who play videogames are among those most likely to gamble more intensively on SGMs. It was also found that people who already play electronic gaming machines are most likely to be attracted to SGMs.

The  study was  led  by  researchers at  Central Queensland University.