The research, by the Australian Institute of Family Studies, found that 38% of the adult population gambled at least weekly. Three in four Australians gambled at least once during the past 12 months and, of those, almost half (46%) were classified as being at some risk of harm from wagering.
Young people were more likely to bet on impulse or increase their betting after seeing gambling ads.
While the report raised concerns about the links between advertising, increased betting and risky behaviour, it also detailed community concern about the prevalence of gambling opportunities, and strong support for government regulation of wagering advertising.
The survey results could give the government further impetus to act.
In relation to advertising, 69% said they thought gambling ads were too common, and 53% said they thought it normalised gambling for children. Most said they thought it made sport less family-friendly, and almost half (46%) said it decreased their enjoyment while watching sport.
Potential bans on broadcast gambling advertising were backed by 53% and opposed by 19%.
