The gambling scene in Australia has gained quite traction in recent years. It has been a popular pastime activity among Australian adults for a long. However, it doesn’t come as a surprise because of the country’s huge love of sports and pop culture. In this Australian gambling statistics, we will research market stats and trends.
In fact, it is reported that Australians spent up to 17 billion AUD (Australian Dollars) in 2020 on a variety of games alone (Gambling in Australia- statistics & facts, Statista). It is well aware that Australia’s tourism industry contributes significantly to the country’s economy.
However, the gambling industry has also grown over the years. Reportedly, the gross added value by this industry to the economy is 420 million AUD in 2022. It shows the continent’s potential market in the gambling sector, especially in online gaming.
That said, there is gambling expenditure that has increased. Since it’s a speculative activity, losses are expected. However, it has an adverse impact on psychological, emotional, and financial costs. Let’s study more on it comprehensively below.
Around 80% of adults in Australia indulge in gambling of various forms. The country has the highest percentage rate of gambling in the world. Up to 4 % of Australian adults play pokies at least once a week. It accounts for 62% of locals spend on annual gambling.
Here is a brief study found by the AIFS in the past twelve months:
In the past few years, the continent has become an attractive market for gambling, inviting investors. Besides the traditional form of gambling, EGMs (Electronic Gaming Machines) are also popular. These kinds are primarily seen in casinos, pubs, clubs, and other dedicated gaming stations across the country.
The gambling industry is legal, taxed, and closely regulated in Australia. There are Federal, territory, and state governments that monitor it. While EGMs and gaming licenses are administered under each jurisdiction, however interactive and online gaming is monitored by the Federal. Some online gambling services, such as in-play sports betting and online casinos, are prohibited in Australia.
Check the table below of different forms of gambling in Australia
| Gambling Form | WA | ACT | NT | SA | TAS | NSW | QLD | VIC |
| Casino Gaming | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Sports Betting | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Keno | Casino only | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Gaming machines | Casino only | Hotels & Clubs only | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Lotteries | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Racing & betting | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Betting exchange | – | – | ✔ | – | – | – | – | – |
| Minor gaming | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
*Source: Australian Gaming Council, chapter 1
*Betting exchange only in Northern Territory
*State/Territory
One of the fastest-growing segments in gambling is online gambling. It’s been reported that more than one in 10 (11%) Australians participate in online gambling (ACMA, 2022). It has increased as in 2020 it was 8%. Digital technology has grown exponentially in recent years, leading to various innovations.
In order to protect the citizens from gambling harms, the initiative has been taken by the authorities. The ACMA (Australians Communication and Media Authority) oversees illegal offshore gambling under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
An article published in The Guardian, Australia, reveals the billions of dollars lost on gambling. Around $25 billion is lost to legal forms of gambling annually (AIHW, 2021). Despite the government’s repeated policy reform attempts, it saw no significant changes.
According to the article, the loss mostly comes from people who can’t afford it. Gambling’s speculative nature has its pros and cons. It may have an adverse impact on the individual and the country’s economy.
The gambling industry in Australia has been a significant contributor to the economy. Its annual turnover for the financial year 2020 was 151.62 billion AUD. There have also been employment opportunities from different avenues.
For instance, over 70,153 have been employed in bars, pubs, and nightclubs in the year 2019/20. Likewise, in casinos, over 25,203 were employed. Check the employment chart below for a better understanding:
| Casinos | $2,491 million |
| Gaming and vending machine manufacturers | $217 million |
| Horse and dog racing | $778 million |
| Horse and sports betting | $1,259 million |
| Lotteries | $1,995 million |
| Pubs, bars, and nightclubs | $4,488 million |
| Social clubs | $5,549 million |
From the tables above, we can infer that the gambling industry contributes to the economy. It creates employment opportunities, invites investors, boosts tourism, and more.
In addition, funds generated through gambling taxes, voluntary contributions, and mandatory levies are distributed through state-wide funding. It assists the community and is also involved in responsible gambling initiatives by giving help and support services.
Now that we have an idea of the revenue and its economic contribution let’s look at gambling expenditure. When there is profit, expect losses too. Moreover, expect high volatility in gambling.
The total expenditure gambling expenditure for 2019/20 was $21,243 million. In gaming alone, its expenses were $16,676 million and $4,567 million for wagering, which includes both sports betting and racing.
Check the complete list of the gambling expenditure below:
| Gaming | $16,676 million |
| Wagering | $4,567 |
| Interactive gaming | $3.8 million |
| Gaming machines | $10,198 million |
| Casino gaming | $3,514 million |
| Lotteries | $2,624 million |
| Minor gaming | $29 million |
| Keno | $306 million |
* Interactive Gaming exists in the NT but is available only to customers overseas (AGC, chapter 3)
*Minor Gaming data for WA only (AGC, chapter 3)
While Australia’s gambling industry thrives, one cannot overlook its expenditures. More so incurred by an individual. The economy may flourish, but it can have an adverse impact individually. Hence, proper regulation needs to be enacted by the government.
There are different forms of gambling, from wagering to online gaming. Among Australian adults, 64% participate in scratches and lotteries, 39% in race betting, 33% in pokies, and 34% in sports betting. It’s also found that pokies, sports, and race betting have higher risk activities.
Furthermore, based on the gambling type, it attracts different groups of people in Australia. Some common characteristics associated with higher activities in pokies, race, and sports betting are as follows:
As reported in the Guardian, ‘Australians are addicted to gambling.’ Almost 44% of adults bet on racing or sports in the past year. Sports bettors have gambled on different sports. The most popular is AFL, followed by NRL and soccer. These betting are conducted online mainly through a computer or a smartphone.
Men reportedly spend more than women on gambling. It’s no surprising given that they are more indulged in this activity. So, how much does an adult Australian spend daily on gambling? Check the table below:
| Average Expenditure (AUD) | |||
| Gambling products | Men | Women | Overall |
| Sports | $98 | $53 | $83 |
| Racing | $112 | $63 | $93 |
| Lotteries, casinos, poker machines | $119 | $92 | $109 |
*Source: Gambling participation and experience of harm in Australia
Gambling is a high volatility activity with unpredictive results. It’s also highly addictive, which can be harmful if one doesn’t have self-control. Research shows that three in four adults at least gamble once a year in Australia.
There are also different types of gambling harm or its related problem. The harm can range from minor to legacy; hence, paying heed is vital. A conceptual framework was developed to determine gambling-related issues. It consists of seven domains:
It’s found that harm to health, emotional/ psychological, and relationships accounted more for gambling-related harm. Not only does it affect the individual, but it also impacts friends, families, and the community in general.
Studies have also revealed that those suffering from gambling problems don’t seek help. Only a small percentage of people approach or share its gambling problem. Young adults (18-34) also have a higher risk of gambling harm than adults aged 55 or older.
As the saying goes, excess of everything is not good. The same goes for gambling. It’s essential to know one’s limit and when to stop it. If you’re running out of luck, maybe it is a sign for you to take a break and continue later. Gambling is a legal and fun activity but may pose a threat if you overdo it.
A study conducted by AIFS finds most Australians agree with the prevalence of gambling in the country. 77% of the population believes that it has plenty of opportunities. While 59% of Australians are against gambling, 17% of the population thinks it’s good for society.
There are divided opinions, but we can infer that the community’s attitude toward gambling is moderate. Ultimately, it depends on the individuals. In addition, government and the state authority should come up with an effective regulating policy.
Many people suffer from gambling addiction and often keep it to themselves. It only worsens the condition when one doesn’t seek help. Gambling addiction is real, but some people fail to accept it. Once you become addicted to it, it drastically impacts your life.
Not only you but affects your family and close ones. In short, it affects all areas of life. Gambling addiction can lead to various consequences, such as:
So, how do you identify gambling addiction? People with this kind of disorder tend not to reveal their behavior. So, it may be challenging to identify it initially, but if one is close enough, one will know.
Most of them suffer from financial difficulties. Here are some of the financial troubles:
Besides financial struggle, a gambling addict person also suffers mentally. Here are some of the symptoms:
Some of the signs/ symptoms of gambling addiction are as follows:
Overcoming gambling may not be easy, but it’s possible if you try. One can seek psychological help, which helps in curing depression and anxiety besides addiction. Mental health is important, and it’s crucial to pay heed and take care of it.
Financial counseling is also available if one needs guidance on managing finance. It would help you recover and manage money effectively. Also, it’s advisable to talk if you are facing gambling issues. You can confide your close friends or families that you trust. Talking or communicating with someone else helps release stress and ease one’s mind.
Australia, New Zealand, and some islands in the Pacific Ocean are called Australasia. Now, the question is, the any of these islands thriving like Australia? New Zealand seems to tick all the boxes. In fact, it’s one of the country’s greatest forms of entertainment and attractions.
New Zealand’s gambling industry is growing, and it is estimated that 80% of the population gambles in some way. For safety and prevention of illegal practices, it’s regulated by the Department of Internal Affairs.
In 2020, the country beat the spending record on gambling. As per the report, the quarterly spending came up to $252 million, mainly from poker machines. It was the highest since 2007. Online gambling also saw major profits earning up to $128 million. Lotto tickets also saw a 13 percent rise, spending up to $631 million.
According to the Department of Internal Affairs, pokies are a popular gambling product. Another form of gambling also has active participation, such as:
A net amount of $528 million was spent on gambling. Take a look below at the expenditure breakdown:
| Gambling Product | Expenditure |
| Casino | $128 million |
| Pokies | $204 million |
| Lottery | $160 million |
| Racing and sports betting | $80 million |
Despite its contribution to the economy, the government has raised issues about the risk and harm it can cause. It has also raised concerns about unregulated and offshore activity. Compared to Australia, the gambling industry in New Zealand didn’t see a significant decline during the pandemic.
When it comes to the gender ratio, it’s the same as in Australia. Men are more active than women. However, women’s participation saw a rise between 1991 and 1999 (MSD, 2024). It grew at an average rate of 5.1 % per year. In fact, men’s participation was less in this period but bounced back in 1999.
Both countries have become popular gambling markets. The turnover and the types favored may be different, but this activity has become prominent in these countries.
For instance, the amount spent by New Zealand on gaming machines in the financial year 2019/20 is $924 million and has a turnover of $10,364 million. In comparison, Australia spends $10,198.204 million on gaming machines and has a turnover of $124,511.733 million.
Online gambling is also growing in New Zealand, like Australia. In fact, digital casinos have grown significantly over the years. Reportedly, four out of five of the population have played casinos online. Surprisingly, online gambling in the country is illegal and prohibited. The only authorized provider is TAB and Lotto NZ.
It’s predicted that the country’s gambling industry will have a revenue of $ 1.1 billion by 2023 end. It is growing exponentially, although New Zealanders must resort to offshore gambling websites.
Due to its unregulated nature when it comes to online gambling, the country loses $140 million annually. Because of this, it has lost potential revenue from the industry.
Is there such a thing as responsible gaming? It sounds rhetoric and doesn’t have a definite meaning. You can interpret it the way you like. If you look online, there would you will come across a list of definitions. The AGC (Australasian Gaming Council) terms it as a shared responsibility of the individual, industry, communities, and governments.
Responsible gaming measures were initiated across Australia and New Zealand. It provides a mix of legislative and voluntary initiatives that will give similar measures in each jurisdiction. Having uniformed or similar legislation allows effective processing and communication. The implementation of responsible gambling in Australia and New Zealand is classified under three categories:
Its focus is narrow and focuses on those who gamble and is faced with problems or difficulties. Some of the examples include counseling and support after referral by venues/staff.
The focus is on the broader population and is also mainly targeting informed choice. Some of the examples include public and warning messages, cost of play, chances of winning, and information brochures.
In this, its emphasis is on the gamblers present within the venue. It includes various measures like pre-commitment options and ATM withdrawal limit.
The gambling code of conduct and practice varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. However, it adheres to the idea of responsible gambling and provides rules and regulations that prevent gambling harm to individuals.
Establishing these initiatives gives a sense of security to the individuals. Gambling is not a threat or danger. However, many fail to get a hold of themselves and are exposed to high gambling risks. Therefore, proper regulations and measures prevent a gambler from going awry.
Gambling is a fun activity involving a lot of luck and mind game. It has become an easy haul of cash or luxury for some people. The gambling industry is thriving globally and is expected to generate more revenue in the future.
The Australian gambling industry is also growing at a fast phase despite incurring expenses in the past few years. Gambling is still loved in this country and is involved in different forms. It has given employment opportunities and has added gross value to the country’s economy.
In addition, the New Zealand gambling industry has also risen in recent years. Many New Zealanders love to participate in different gambling products. The industry is growing, and despite online gambling prohibitions, people are still invested.
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