In recent years, gambling in Australia has gone from land-based halls to digital casinos. In 2024 alone, local players spent more than A$25 billion on betting and casinos, and the total volume of online gambling has reached record levels. Statistics confirm - interest in gambling entertainment continues to grow, despite the tightening of legislation and the blocking of illegal gambling operators.
Against this backdrop, best australian casino online remain at the centre of attention from regulators and the public. Studies show that men make up 54 per cent of all players, and major providers like Aristocrat have already introduced new game releases, fuelling interest in online betting. Read on to find out about changes in the Australian gambling market: what trends are being observed, what measures are being introduced by the government and how the industry is developing.
Online Gambling Market in Australia Demonstrates Record Growth
Online betting and gambling in Australia reached an all-time high in 2024. According to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), revenues from virtual casinos and betting sites grew by 17% year-on-year to more than A$12.5 billion. This is one of the fastest growth rates in the industry over the past five years.
The main contribution to the expansion of the sector was made by mobile platforms. Analysts note that more than 75% of all bets in the country are made from smartphones and tablets, and the number of active players has increased by 22%. The increased interest in online gambling is attributed to the availability of digital services, the integration of modern technologies and aggressive marketing by large companies.
Regulators are concerned about the rapid development of the industry. The authorities have blocked hundreds of illegal sites, but the influx of new users continues to grow. In the coming months, the government plans to review the policy of regulating interactive betting, which may lead to new restrictions and reforms in the sector.
Who Plays at Online Casinos in Australia: Gender and Age Specifics
The modern gambling market attracts millions of users, but the profile of the average player has changed in recent years. While in the past the majority of online gambling participants were in the 45+ age group, today young people who prefer mobile betting and fast games are coming to the fore.
Gender Distribution
According to the Australian Gambling Research Centre (AGRC), men make up 54% of the total number of gamblers, although they do not account for more than 49% of the Australian population. The disparity is pronounced in sports betting, with men dominating by a significant margin. Women are more likely to choose online poker, pokies and lotteries.
Interestingly, the female audience is growing faster among new users. In 2024, the number of women registering on australian casino sites increased by 19 per cent, due to intuitive platforms, low stakes games and active advertising campaigns targeting female audiences.
The age and preferences of the players:
18-24 years old - young players focused on fast games (crash games, virtual sports). Often use cryptocurrency for anonymous transactions.
25-34 year olds are the main target audience for online casinos, betting on sports, playing poker, blackjack and pokies.
35-44 years old - prefer classic games: roulette and blackjack, progressive jackpots.
Ages 45+ - more likely to choose online bingo, lotteries and pokies with simple mechanics.
According to statistics, 78% of all online bets are made from smartphones, and the average player deposit is A$78. And more than 40% of the audience take advantage of bonus offers to increase their starting bank. Around 68% of players who joined gambling platforms in 2023 are still playing in 2024.
Aristocrat Introduces Innovative Slot Machines in 2025
Aristocrat Gaming, a leading gaming solutions company, has unveiled its latest innovations at the Australasian Hospitality & Gaming Expo (AHG) in Brisbane, including The Baron Upright and a series of exciting pokies.
The Baron Upright: A New Word in Game Cupboard Design
The Baron Upright is a state-of-the-art pokie that features a dual strike button for enhanced player interaction. The unique MultiLink™ feature allows gambling operators to combine large jackpots between different game families, increasing game efficiency.
New Game Families and Updated Classic Brands
Along with The Baron Upright, four new gaming titles are introduced, including two brand new families and updated versions of popular brands.
Lunar Cash - offers Cash on Reels from left to right, instant wins, Hold and Spin mode and a Repeat Win option;
Dyna Blitz is a game with dynamic gameplay, the protagonists of which are kung-fu style characters with a recurring win feature;
Cashman Link is an updated version of the classic with Hold and Spin, Repeat Win and three new game themes: "Queen of Hell", "Immortal Fortune" and "Tiger Reel";
Chilli Link - introduces the Hold and Spin feature for one of Aristocrat's most popular brands, as well as the Repeat Win option, a multi-window game.
Continued Investment in the Marsx Platform
Aristocrat continues to enhance the MarsX platform with a strong plan to release new content. AHG features the successful Thunder Empire and Dragon Bound games recently launched in Queensland and Victoria.
Interactive System Solutions: PRIME Kiosk
Aristocrat Interactive has unveiled its latest system solutions, including the PRIME Kiosk, a proprietary venue interface designed to enhance visitor engagement. It supports both gaming and non-gaming operations, offering interactive features that recognise and optimise the gaming experience.
Aristocrat Gaming successfully adapts to the demands of the market. The company offers players and best aussie casino modern gaming solutions. New products take into account current trends and increase user engagement in the gaming process.
The Impact of Gambling on Australian Society: Extent, Consequences and Need for Reform
Australia is known for the integration of gambling into its culture and economy. As of 2024, 72.8% of adults have participated in gambling in the previous 12 months, and 38% gamble at least once a week. Australians lose around $25 billion annually on entertainment. The statistics are a major concern in the community and raise questions about the need for reforms in the industry.
Economic Impact
Gambling takes a significant share of the Australian economy. In the 2020-2021 financial year, Australians placed $198 billion worth of bets, resulting in a total loss of $24 billion. This means that, on average, each adult loses around $1,200 per year on gambling. Australia ranks first in the world in per capita losses from online gambling.
Social Implications
About 0.5-1.0% of the adult population (80,000 to 160,000 people) have a serious gambling problem, and a further 1.4-2.1% (250,000 to 350,000 people) are affected by gambling addiction. Among the most damaging consequences are: financial difficulties, disruption of family relationships and deterioration of mental health.
Regional Differences
Certain regions of Australia are more affected by gambling than others. For example, in the Fairfield area of Sydney, gambling losses are three times the state average. This indicates that the impact of gambling on the community is unevenly distributed.
Harm Reduction Measures
In response to growing concerns, authorities are taking action to reduce gambling harms. The state of Queensland has introduced new laws involving mandatory use of playing cards in casinos, spending limits, mandatory breaks and safe gambling codes of conduct. In addition, think tanks, among them the Grattan Institute, are calling for loss limits and a complete ban on entertainment advertising.
Need for Reform
Given the scale and impact of gambling in Australia, there is an urgent need for reform. Proposed measures include: tightening regulation, restricting advertising, introducing support programmes for those affected and raising public awareness of the risks associated with online gambling. Only a comprehensive approach will help to reduce the negative impact of gaming on Australian society and create a safe gaming environment for all citizens.
Entain Company Investigation
In December 2024, the Australian Transaction Reporting and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) initiated civil proceedings against Entain, known as the owner of the Ladbrokes and Neds brands, for alleged serious and systematic breaches of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing laws.
The main charges are:
Inadequate oversight and governance. AUSTRAC alleges that Entain's management failed to ensure adequate oversight of compliance with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing programmes. This led to the company's vulnerability to criminal exploitation.
Inadequate vetting of users. The company allegedly failed to properly verify the identity of players, especially those who posed a security risk. In one instance, Entain accepted $152 million in bets from 17 users with suspicious connections to the criminal underworld without taking the necessary steps to verify their identities and sources of funds.
Use of aliases. Entain reportedly allowed the use of pseudonyms, which made it difficult to monitor suspicious activity. This created a favourable environment for potential money laundering.
Entain's CEO, Gavin Isaacs, said the company is taking the allegations seriously and is working with AUSTRAC to address the issues identified. He noted that Entain has begun implementing improvements to its compliance programmes to prevent future breaches.
If Entain is found guilty of the alleged offences by the court, the company could face significant fines. Each contravention could result in fines of up to A$22.2 million, which together could be a huge amount given the number of contraventions identified.
Context And Background
Entain has previously faced regulatory action in other jurisdictions. In the UK, it was fined £17 million for similar offences. This emphasises the need for global gambling operators to pay attention to compliance with international standards and local anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing laws.
This case reflects the Australian authorities' efforts to tighten control over the gambling industry. Previously, other major gambling operators - Crown Resorts and Star Entertainment - have also been investigated and fined for violations in this area.
The ongoing proceedings between AUSTRAC and Entain serve as a reminder to all market participants of the importance of regulatory compliance and continuous improvement of internal procedures to prevent financial crime.
Tightening Gambling Laws in Australia
In September 2024, new regulations aimed at tightening gambling laws came into force in Australia. According to the changes, video games with gambling simulation elements automatically receive an age rating of R18+, which limits the availability of content for minors.
Major changes:
Classification of games with lootboxes. Games that offer paid lootboxes receive a minimum rating of M. This means that such game products are recommended for players over 15 years old.
Gambling simulation models. Projects containing gambling simulations, including mini-games, are rated R18+. They are now available to adults only. restricts their availability to adults only.
The Australian Government has expressed concern about the impact of gambling-like mechanics on young people. Much attention has been paid to lootboxes, which authorities believe increase the risk of gambling addiction among minors.
Industry and Society Reaction
The gaming community and developers reacted to the changes in different ways. Some supported the initiative, considering it necessary to protect young people from potential risks. Others are convinced that the bans limit the creative freedom of developers, and this threatens to reduce the income from games.
International Context
Australia has joined the ranks of countries that have tightened regulation of lootboxes and gambling elements in video games. In some States, they are equated with gambling and regulated accordingly.
Blocking Illegal Online Casinos in Australia
In February 2024, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) took action against illegal online casinos by blocking access to 926 illegal sites. These included Playzilla, Wazamba, Zet Casino, Slots Palace, Nomini, Casinia, SG Casino, Fez Bet, Buran Casino, Spin Better, Golden Bet and Clash.gg.
The action aims to protect Australian users from the risks associated with the use of unlicensed gambling operators. Such websites undermine the integrity of the legal market and expose the target audience to the financial risks and harms of gambling.
The ACMA has the power to block websites providing prohibited interactive gambling services - online casinos and pokies - as well as unlicensed betting platforms and advertisements for such services. Since ACMA's first blocking request in November 2019, access has been restricted to 652 gambling platforms.
ACMA reminds that even if a service appears to be legitimate, it probably does not have sufficient player protections in place under Australian law. As a result, local laws will not be able to help if problems arise, such as withholding winnings by the service provider. To ensure safety, Australians are advised to check the ACMA public register to ensure that the betting service is licensed to operate in the country.
On the Horizon New Online Casinos for Australians
In the year 2025, several fresh casinos appeared on the Australian market at once. Among them are FLAGMAN and BANDA CASINO - both of them quickly gained the trust of players. They rely on bonuses, user-friendly interface and a large selection of games.
FLAGMAN has offered Australians a starter bonus with double deposit and freespins on popular pokies. The emphasis is on fast registration and instant payouts. The minimum deposit is only 10 AUD, and replenishment is possible via PayID and Neosurf.
BANDA CASINO attracts the audience with cryptocurrency payments. The bonus programme is based on cashback: the more you play, the more is returned to your account. The catalogue includes pokies, roulette, blackjack and a section with live games.
Both casinos cater to the preferences of local players. This means: AUD support, local deposit methods, tournaments for Australian players. Judging by the first reviews, the newcomers will quickly take a leading position in the local market. Players note responsive support, simple bonus terms and a wide range of entertainment.
Curious to see if they can stay afloat? The Australian gambling market is tough - only those who are willing to fight remain.
What Are Australian Players Choosing in 2025?
In 2025, Australians are betting on two main genres - progressive jackpots and games with live dealers. Interest in the mentioned formats is steadily growing, and this is not just a coincidence.
Progressive pokies beckon with huge winnings. The jackpot pot grows with every bet, and the amount at stake sometimes reaches millions of dollars. The most popular models are Mega Moolah, Divine Fortune, Wheel of Wishes. It's simple: one lucky spin and life changes.
Games with live dealers are a different story. Players are energised by the immersive experience. Most Australians choose blackjack, roulette, baccarat and poker to feel like they are in a real casino. Cameras relay the dealer's every move and interactive chat adds to the dynamic.
Why are genres at the top right now? People are looking for emotion. In pokies with jackpots, it's excitement and the chance to win big. In live games, it's the casino atmosphere, even if you're playing from a smartphone.
Australians Are Going Mobile Casinos - And Here's Why
Just a couple of years ago, players would log into online casinos from a PC. Now things are different. 82% of bets are made from mobile devices and casino app downloads are up 27% in 2024.
Why are mobile casinos so popular? The answer is obvious: they are always at hand. A player does not need to sit down at a computer - a couple of swipes and he is already spinning the reels or sitting at a virtual table with a live dealer.
But most importantly, mobile casinos are adapting to their audience. Payouts are getting faster, bonuses are tied to activity, and live games are becoming more realistic. Everything goes to the point that mobile gambling will completely supplant desktop versions of casinos. The only question is which of the gambling operators will pick up the new trend faster.
Sports Betting and Online Casinos: Where is the Boundary between Partnership and Regulation?
Recent years have seen close co-operation between online casinos and sports leagues. Companies like Unibet, Flutter Entertainment and Entain have partnered with sports organisations to offer exclusive bets and promotions for sports fans.
Despite partnerships with prominent leagues, Australia is stepping up measures to restrict gambling advertising. In particular, the government plans to introduce reforms aimed at reducing the display of betting adverts in stadiums during major sporting events to reduce the impact on young audiences.
A recent incident occurred when streaming service Paramount+ aired an advert for offshore gambling company 8Xbet during an A-League match between Wellington Phoenix and Brisbane Roar. The advert was shown in Australia and New Zealand, where such adverts are banned, prompting regulatory concerns.
Partnerships between online casinos and sports leagues continue to strengthen, offering fans new opportunities to engage with sport. But companies need to learn how to balance commercial interests with responsible gambling advertising, given the potential impact of online betting on young people and vulnerable groups.
How are New Taxes Changing the Gaming Rules for Online Casinos in Australia?
Australian authorities have introduced tax rates for online casinos, which has had a significant impact on the companies' strategy and marketing offerings. The changes forced gambling platforms to revise their bonus programmes and promotions to adapt to the new financial conditions.
Under the updated tax legislation, the standard corporate income tax rate in Australia is 30 per cent. But it is reduced to 26% for small businesses that meet certain conditions.
The innovations have led online casinos to look for ways to optimise costs. Some have reduced the size of welcome bonuses and limited the number of free spins on pokies. Others have revised their loyalty programmes: now most of them are focused only on regular players.
In addition, the new tax rates have encouraged gambling operators to invest in expanding the range of games to retain existing users and attract new ones. As a result, Australian players have access to better and more diverse gaming products, despite changes in bonus policies.
Summary: What's in Store for the Online Gambling Market in Australia?
The Australian gambling market is going through challenging times. Casinos are facing new taxes, strict regulations and site blocking. At the same time, interest in mobile casinos, live games and progressive pokies is growing.
Gambling platforms are adapting: revising bonus programmes, investing in technology and partnering with sports leagues. In 2025, the industry will have to find a balance between regulatory requirements and player expectations.
