Australia's online gambling revenue is surging rapidly.
Gambling in Australia is rapidly evolving, with Aussies pouring more cash into the industry. The latest figures reported by iGB reveal a staggering 18.2% increase in total turnover and a 11.5% jump in per capita spending from June 22 to June 23. Here's a rundown of the gambling landscape, marked by high-risk gamblers, the dominance of online platforms, and teen gambling becoming a pressing concern.
Traditional activities like lotteries did take a dip, dipping to $1.1 billion. However, land-based gaming machines remained the most popular, raking in a whopping $191.2 billion, and land-based casinos saw a growth of 22.6%, reaching $20 billion.
This surge in gambling expenditure has sparked concerns among some government officials and gambling reform advocates. Martin Thomas, head of the Alliance for Gambling Reform, labels current regulations as "extremely inadequate." He favors a ban on gambling advertising and the creation of a strategy for industry development and a regulator.
Underage gambling stands as a significant issue. According to recent data, 30% of teenagers aged 12-17 and 46% of 18-19-year-olds gamble, contributing over $231 million annually. A troubling figure is the $18.4 million lost by underage users.
Meanwhile, online gambling platforms account for 75% of bets, with online revenues surging 17% Year-on-Year to A$12.5 billion in 2024[3]. A small pool of high-risk gamblers make up the majority of losses, with annual spending reaching nearly double the overall average for active gamblers, who fork out approximately A$2,942 annually[2].
To tackle this issue, experts recommend tightening oversight of online operators, expanding ACMA’s authority to block illegal sites and enforce compliance[3]. Additional measures such as spending limits, self-exclusion tools, and real-time loss alerts could be enforced[3][5]. Tax adjustments aiming at increasing levies on gambling revenues to fund addiction treatment and education are also under consideration[^note].
There are still concerns about enforcement gaps, with illegal offshore operators accessible despite existing block[3]. The cultural normalization of gambling through video games and peer betting also presents a significant challenge for prevention efforts[5].
Additional Insights:
The government's forthcoming review of interactive betting regulations may address the identified gaps in policy[3]. While specific legislative language on advertising bans or tax reforms is still under wraps, experts highlight the urgent need given rising harm metrics[1][5]. Keep an eye out for upcoming developments in this space!
Key Data Snapshot
| Aspect | Figure | Source ||----------------------------|------------------------------------|--------|| Annual online gambling rev | A$12.5 billion (17% YoY growth) | [3] || Teen gamblers (12–17) | 30% | [5] || Underage annual losses | A$18.4 million | [4] || Active adult gambler spend | A$2,942/year | [2] |
[^note]: Broader policy trends cited in general context; not explicitly detailed in provided sources.
- In the gambling industry of Australia, there has been a significant increase in total turnover and per capita spending from 2022 to 2023, with land-based gaming machines remaining the most popular.
- Martin Thomas, head of the Alliance for Gambling Reform, believes that the current regulations are inadequate and advocates for a ban on gambling advertising, the creation of a strategy for industry development, and a regulator.
- Underage gambling is a pressing concern in Australia, with data showing that 30% of teenagers aged 12-17 and 46% of 18-19-year-olds participate in gambling, contributing over $231 million annually.
- Online gambling platforms account for 75% of bets, with annual revenues surging 17% Year-on-Year to A$12.5 billion in 2024. A small pool of high-risk gamblers make up the majority of losses, with annual spending reaching nearly double the overall average for active gamblers.
- To combat these issues, experts recommend tightening oversight of online operators, expanding ACMA’s authority to block illegal sites and enforce compliance, and enforcing measures such as spending limits, self-exclusion tools, and real-time loss alerts.
- Tax adjustments aiming at increasing levies on gambling revenues to fund addiction treatment and education are also under consideration.
- The government's forthcoming review of interactive betting regulations may address the identified policy gaps, given the rising harm metrics and the need for legislative language on advertising bans or tax reforms.
