Australia has long been considered one of the world’s gambling capitals. From high-end casinos in Sydney and Melbourne to the growing popularity of online betting platforms, gambling is a deeply rooted part of Australian entertainment culture. However, in recent years, a major shift has taken place — Australians are increasingly choosing to gamble online instead of visiting traditional venues.
This change isn’t just about convenience; it reflects evolving technology, government regulations, and lifestyle preferences. In this detailed analysis, we’ll explore how Australians are dividing their spending between online gambling and venue-based gambling, what’s driving the shift, and what the future holds for the nation’s casino market.
1. The State of Gambling in Australia
Australia has one of the highest gambling participation rates in the world. Studies by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) reveal that more than 70% of Australian adults gamble at least once a year, whether online or at a physical venue.
Gambling has become an integral part of Australian social life — from betting on horse races and sports events to enjoying pokies (slot machines) at local pubs and clubs. Yet, as internet access improves and mobile apps become more user-friendly, online gambling has rapidly expanded its share of the market.
Key Gambling Categories in Australia:
- Pokies (Slot Machines): Both land-based and online.
- Sports Betting: Especially popular among younger audiences.
- Casino Games: Roulette, Blackjack, Baccarat, and Poker.
- Lotteries & Scratch Cards: Commonly available nationwide.
- Horse Racing Bets: A traditional favourite, especially during major events like the Melbourne Cup.
2. Venue-Based Gambling: A Deep-Rooted Tradition
For decades, physical casinos and pubs have been at the heart of Australian gambling culture.
Major Venues in Australia
- The Star Sydney – A luxurious casino resort offering table games, pokies, and entertainment.
- Crown Melbourne – One of the largest casino complexes in the Southern Hemisphere.
- Crown Perth – A hub for Western Australian gamblers.
These venues not only offer gambling but also high-end dining, hotels, live shows, and social experiences that online casinos can’t fully replicate.
Spending Patterns in Venue Gambling
According to reports, Australians spend billions annually on pokies alone. The majority of these machines are located in pubs and clubs rather than big casinos.
- Pokies in venues account for nearly half of all gambling losses in Australia.
- On average, each adult loses around A$1,200–A$1,400 per year on gambling, one of the highest rates globally.
Why Many Australians Still Prefer Physical Venues
- Social Interaction: Playing with friends or meeting new people adds excitement.
- Atmosphere: Lights, sounds, and the thrill of being in a casino.
- Security: Regulated venues feel more trustworthy to some players.
- Entertainment Packages: Venues offer dining, bars, and events alongside gaming.
However, things began to change rapidly after 2020.
3. The Rise of Online Gambling in Australia
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated digital adoption across all industries — including gambling. With casinos and clubs temporarily closed, millions of Australians turned to online casino platforms and mobile betting apps.
Why Online Gambling Is Surging
- Convenience: Play anytime, anywhere — no need to travel.
- Variety: Thousands of pokies and live dealer games online.
- Bonuses & Promotions: Online casinos attract players with welcome bonuses, free spins, and cashback offers.
- Payment Flexibility: Support for credit cards, e-wallets, and cryptocurrencies.
- Privacy: Gamble without public exposure or social pressure.
According to ACMA’s 2024 data, over 11% of Australian adults now gamble online regularly, compared to just 6% in 2019.
This represents a near-doubling of online participation in just five years, signaling a clear migration trend.
4. Comparing Spending: Online vs Venue Gambling
The question isn’t just where Australians gamble, but where they spend most. Let’s look at the numbers and behaviors behind the scenes.
Venue Gambling Spending
- Still dominates in terms of total losses, due to the massive number of pokies across the country.
- Pokies in pubs and clubs bring in over A$12 billion in annual revenue.
- The average spend per venue visitor is higher than online players because of the in-person experience and add-on entertainment.
Online Gambling Spending
- Estimated at A$6–8 billion annually, but growing much faster year-on-year.
- Sports betting is the largest online segment, especially among men aged 18–35.
- Online casino games (slots, roulette, etc.) are catching up quickly due to better game design and smoother payment methods.
Trend Analysis
| Type | Market Share (2020) | Market Share (2025 est.) | Growth Rate |
| Venue Gambling | 75% | 55% | ↓ Declining |
| Online Gambling | 25% | 45% | ↑ Rapid Growth |
At the current rate, online gambling could surpass venue gambling by 2027 in terms of total spending, particularly if regulatory frameworks become more relaxed.
5. The Role of Technology
Technology has been the biggest game-changer in the gambling landscape.
Mobile Apps and Accessibility
Most Australian gamblers now use their smartphones to access betting apps. Major platforms like Sportsbet, Ladbrokes, and Neds have made it extremely simple to bet on sports or play virtual pokies in just a few taps.
Live Dealer Games
Online casinos now offer live streaming of real dealers — combining the thrill of a real casino with the convenience of online play. This hybrid experience attracts venue-loving players.
AI and Personalization
Modern online platforms use AI-driven algorithms to customize game recommendations and promotions based on user behavior — something physical venues can’t do as efficiently.
6. Regulation and Licensing
Gambling is heavily regulated in Australia, both online and offline.
Venue Regulations
- Each state and territory has its own regulatory body.
- Strict control over pokies and casino operations.
- Tax revenue from gambling contributes significantly to state budgets.
Online Gambling Regulations
- Governed by the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA).
- Online casinos cannot operate from within Australia unless licensed offshore.
- However, Australians are allowed to play on internationally licensed online casinos that comply with fair play and responsible gambling rules.
Regulatory uncertainty has slowed down local online casino development, but global brands have filled the gap.
7. The Social Impact
While gambling brings economic benefits, it also poses social risks. Problem gambling remains a major concern, especially with the rise of 24/7 online access.
Challenges
- Easier access means higher risk of addiction.
- Younger demographics are more exposed to gambling ads.
- Venue gambling at least offers physical barriers — you have to go there, whereas online gambling is instant.
Responsible Gambling Initiatives
Both government and casino operators are investing in:
- Self-exclusion programs.
- Deposit limits.
- Reality checks (reminders of time spent gambling).
- Education on responsible play.
8. What the Future Holds
The future of Australian gambling will likely be a balanced hybrid ecosystem, where online platforms dominate in volume, but physical venues remain strong in experience-based entertainment.
Predicted Trends for 2025–2030
- Rise of Hybrid Casinos: Integration of digital accounts with in-person loyalty programs.
- VR & Metaverse Gambling: Virtual casino environments replicating real-life casinos.
- Stronger Regulation: Expect stricter ad rules and responsible gambling tools.
- Cryptocurrency Adoption: Crypto casinos gaining popularity for faster transactions.
- Women Gamblers on the Rise: Online environments are attracting more female players due to privacy and comfort.
9. Economic Impact
Gambling contributes significantly to Australia’s economy:
- Over A$25 billion annually in revenue.
- Billions in taxes to state governments.
- Thousands of jobs in hospitality, entertainment, and tech sectors.
However, the transition from venue to online may impact local economies — especially small clubs and pubs that depend on pokies revenue.
10. Conclusion
Australia’s gambling market is evolving at lightning speed. While venue gambling remains culturally significant, the shift toward online platforms is undeniable. Convenience, technology, and lifestyle changes are driving Australians to spend more time — and money — online.
Yet, this transition doesn’t necessarily spell the end for physical casinos. Instead, it opens the door to a blended gambling future, where both online and venue experiences coexist — catering to different moods, preferences, and generations.
Ultimately, the question of where Australians spend most may soon change from “venue or online” to “both” — as the lines between physical and digital gambling continue to blur.
