Australia, a country that spans an entire continent, has long been home to gambling enthusiasts. With the emergence and development of the online casino industry, demand has only grown, and, accordingly, the number of available gambling platforms has increased.
In addition to the rise in local involvement, the term “casino tourism” has become characteristic of Australia in recent years, due to a number of reasons.
The Australian Casino Industry In Numbers
While the famous Las Vegas has left its mark on popular culture as the world’s casino capital, the same cannot be said for Australian states and cities. However, for some reason, the demand for gambling is growing every year.
Recently, several studies have been conducted to determine how deeply casinos have become ingrained in the daily lives of Australians. Here are some facts:
- Australia has 18% of the world’s slot machines, even though its population is only 1% of the world’s total.
- More than 75% of slot machines outside of casinos are located here. The machines are placed in shops, cafes, and bars.
- Surveys have revealed that about 25% of people in Australia gamble regularly, and even more do so irregularly.
- Australians lose more than $25 billion a year, even though the average salary is about $3,600 per month.
- The number of people working remotely is growing every year and has already reached 3.5 million in 2022. There are no problems with internet access, which opens up opportunities for online casino platforms
Why Australians Start Gambling
The growing popularity of casinos among the local population is due to a number of factors.
Here are some of the factors that have made gambling an integral part of people’s lives in Australia and ensured the development of this industry:
1. Legal Aspects
When it comes to official bookmakers and platforms, getting a license is not a huge hassle. The Australian government doesn’t like unofficial bookmakers to avoid money laundering, and operators have to get certified. This approach keeps players’ data and money transfers safe.
2. Ubiquity Of Slot Machines
Physical slot machines in Australia are located in many more places than just casino buildings. When visiting a café or bar, Australians can spice up their leisure time with another bet. Such prevalence has made gambling a common form of entertainment that is easily accessible without having to go far from home. The state of Western Australia is the only exception, where slot machines are only allowed in casinos.
3. Expansion Of Online Casino Options
In the past, players were limited to only a few online gambling platforms from local operators, but recently Australians have had access to dozens of high-quality and proven online casinos, such as SkyCrown Australia. Softened laws on interactive gambling have opened up opportunities for global operators, who can now obtain licenses and provide services locally.
4. Advertising Creatives
The depiction of casinos and games is currently not prohibited in television commercials, for example, during the broadcast of sporting events. However, advertising must be socially responsible and encourage responsible gaming. Moreover, Australians are very fond of images of money and respond positively to videos with gaming mechanics. The same applies to the effect of immersion in the game and presence in the casino.
Casinos As A Tourism Industry
In recent years, casinos have become not only a popular leisure option for Australians themselves, but also a center of attraction for tourists. Casinos such as Crown Casino in Melbourne, The Star in Sydney, and others in major cities offer tourists not only a huge selection of gambling games, but also a wide range of entertainment. The luxurious design, scale, and full range of services have created an attractive image for such complexes among tourists. Crown Casino’s reputation as the world’s most profitable casino (about 60% of winnings per year) has earned it a name and popularity among players around the world.
Australian casinos are also becoming a popular venue for various events, including conferences, weddings, and corporate parties. Many casinos offer a wide range of event planning services and provide everything necessary for their successful implementation.
Casinos in Australia are a focal point of the government’s tourism plan. They spur investment, promote the creation of new employment, and act to bring international tourists into the country, stimulating the national economy.
Final Thoughts
Australians are quite a gambling nation, and many figures confirm this. It is here that the most profitable casino and the largest number of slot machines in public places are located. A big plus is that the government has learned through trial and error how to regulate this industry competently. This ensures both the safety of players who prefer the online format and the strengthening of the economy.
In addition to the involvement of the local population, the largest local casinos have learned to attract new audiences and gain a global reputation. This has led to the emergence of casino tourism, which attracts foreign players not only with the variety of games, but also with its excellent service. All this has made Australia a strong participant in the global gambling market.
