It wasn’t so long ago that most Australian gamblers would head to the pub or a casino. Now, many reach instead for a phone or tablet. The online gambling sector in Australia is no sideshow—it’s a rapidly expanding industry whose story is told in cold, hard numbers.
In 2024, the Australian online gambling market was valued at about USD 5.68 billion, with projections suggesting it could climb at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.89 % through to 2034. That would bring it close to USD 12.14 billion by the end of that decade.
Meanwhile, analysts at IMARC estimate a slightly more conservative base of USD 5.2 billion in 2024 and see it reaching USD 8.9 billion by 2033. The range of forecasts highlights both optimism and caution: growth is expected, but regulatory, social, and economic currents will test that optimism.
The Human Side of the Numbers
Behind every data point is a person. In 2022–23, Australians lost a staggering AUD 31.5 billion to gambling. That equates to an average of AUD 1,527 in losses per adult.
To put that in perspective: this annual amount now eclipses the government’s spending on aged care and rivals that on the National Disability Insurance Scheme. While some figures place total legal gambling losses closer to AUD 25 billion in non-interactive forms, the trend is unambiguous: losses are rising.
Pokies—Australia’s ubiquitous slot machines—remain the heartland of gambling losses. In 2018–19, pokies accounted for AUD 15.8 billion of those losses, making them the single largest contributor across all gambling formats. It’s no accident that many gamblers turn online to chase the same thrill.
Young Australians are not immune. One study found that nearly one in three people aged 12–17 reported gambling, even before many are legally allowed to. Gaming’s digital reach means exposure starts early—and it changes expectations about how (and where) people will gamble when older.
What Players Prefer and Where They Go
Of all the game types, online pokies have become a dominant format among Australian players. Their familiarity, simplicity, and constant innovation (new mechanics, jackpot features, bonus rounds) give them broad appeal.
As online gambling expands, so does choice: live-dealer tables, poker, bingo, sports betting, and more all compete for attention. But pokies tend to be the anchor.
Operators lean on high engagement rates there while cross-selling other verticals. Some forecasts suggest that Australia’s online casino revenue alone could rise from USD 462.7 million in 2024 to over USD 1,033 million by 2030, growing at about 14.4 % per year.
Meanwhile, the sports betting segment is surging: in 2024, the Australian sports betting market was estimated at AUD 6.81 billion, and projections see a sky-high growth rate (CAGR ≈ 22 %) through 2034.
The Push and Pull of Regulation, Risk & Reward
Growth seldom comes without friction. Operators must navigate Australia’s regulatory framework, dominated by the Interactive Gambling Act 2001, which forbids many forms of real-money interactive gambling to Australian residents and bans such operators from advertising inside Australia.
The legal tension between global platforms serving Australians and domestic regulation remains a central challenge.
Social harm looms large, too. In 2022–23, around 40 % of gambling revenue reportedly came from people experiencing significant gambling harm. The average loss per adult gambler has also climbed sharply—over five years, losses rose 18 %. For many families, gambling losses now outpace utility or housing expenses, making gambling a central drain on household budgets.
Meanwhile, competition is fierce. Operators must continually refresh their offerings, improve user experience, and stay ahead on payments, security, and trust.
What Might Define 2025–2027
As the next years unfold, some critical things will shape the trajectory of this industry:
- Will ramped regulation tighten or loosen? The balance of consumer protection versus revenue is delicate.
- Which growth forecast proves more accurate? Will the optimistic path (doubling by 2034) be realized, or the more modest one?
- How quickly will operators adapt to new tech—AI, player analytics, blockchain, AR/VR features—and integrate them responsibly?
- How will gambling harm be managed? Self-exclusion tools, stricter verification, education efforts—all could shift industry norms.
Final Thoughts
Australia’s online gambling sphere is much more than a niche pastime. It is an evolving, complex market with billions at play, and the stakes are both economic and personal. Pokies remain the core, but the forms, platforms, and pressures around them are shifting fast.
