“Exponential” rise in Australian online gambling as physical pokies face reforms

News Team August 22, 2024

SiGMA news

“Exponential” rise in Australian online gambling as physical pokies face reforms

Recent research by the Australian National University (ANU) reveals that online gambling ‘exponentially increased’. As Australians increasingly turn to online platforms for betting, overall participation has decreased.

The ANU Centre for Gambling Research conducted a comprehensive study from April 2019 to January 2024, revealing that while overall gambling participation has decreased, the rate of online gambling has surged. The study, which surveyed over 4,000 adults, found that 60.3 percent of the adult population engaged in some form of gambling in 2024, down from 65.6 percent in 2019.

Despite the overall drop in gambling rates, the research shows that online gambling is at an all-time high, with 33.4 percent of participants placing bets online in the past year. Online gambling has become especially popular among middle-aged Australians, with those aged 45-55 accounting for 20.5 percent of online bettors. Younger adults, aged 25-34, also represent an important portion of the online gambling community, comprising 18.7 percent of users.

Dr. Aino Suomi, Director of the ANU Centre for Gambling Research, explained: “Online gambling has exponentially increased, and should now be considered one of the main gambling platforms.” She also warned: “The unlimited access to online gambling has the potential to cause real harm if not properly addressed.”

Physical pokies reforms drive gamblers online

The surge in online gambling comes at a time when physical poker machines, or “pokies,” are being targeted with important reforms across Australia.

In Victoria, for instance, a default $50 daily limit on poker machine losses has been proposed by the Labor government and the Greens. This reform is accompanied by a mandatory carded-play system, which will limit the amount of money that can be loaded into a machine at any given time, reducing it from $1,000 to $100.

These measures are part of what the Victorian government describes as the “strongest suite of reforms that will comprehensively change the way gambling is conducted in this state.”

However, as physical gambling options become more restricted, Australians appear to be increasingly turning to online platforms as an alternative. The ease of access, combined with fewer regulatory constraints, makes online gambling an attractive option for many.

Australian operators are adapting to this digitalised demand. “As mobile devices become the preferred platform for playing online pokies, developers and casinos are focusing on optimising their compatibility,” explained BestAussiePokies.com.

Demographics and gambling habits

The demographic breakdown provided by the ANU study reveals distinct differences between online and in-person gamblers. Online gamblers tend to be younger, more educated, and more likely to be employed. A significant portion of this group holds a university degree (28.5 percent) or a post-school certificate or diploma (47.2 percent). These individuals are also more likely to be part of a couple with children.

In contrast, those who prefer in-person gambling are generally older, with 21.2 percent of this group aged 65-74. Adults over 45 make up 66.1 percent of in-person bettors, with women representing a majority of this demographic (53.8 percent).

Lottery betting remains the most popular form of gambling, with 46.8 percent of respondents participating. This is followed by raffles (23.4 percent) and scratchcards (15.7 percent). Although sports betting is often highlighted in discussions about gambling, only 4.7 percent of the population engages in this activity, with nearly all of these bets (94.2 percent) being placed online.