How Australia's offline gambling industry works
Australia is one of the leading countries in terms of the prevalence of gambling. At the same time, unlike many other states, the bulk of gambling falls on the offline segment: slot machines, bets, poker tables and land casinos.
The system is designed so that gambling is closely integrated into everyday life - from small pubs with pokies to huge casino resorts. In this article, we will analyze how offline gambling functions in Australia, who regulates it and what its features are.
General structure of offline gambling
Offline gambling in Australia covers:
Games are available in almost every city and even in small towns. This makes Australia one of the most saturated countries in terms of the number of gaming places per capita.
Pokies are the basis of offline gambling
Poker machines (pokies) is an Australian term for slots. They are installed everywhere:
As of 2025, there are more than 180,000 machines in the country, most of which are located outside the casino.
The average RTP (return percentage to player) of such machines is 85-90%, which is lower than that of online slots.
In some states, players can set betting limits in advance - this is part of the "responsible play" policy.
Largest land-based casinos
In Australia, there are several large-scale casino centers that are both tourist and economic points:
Casinos offer:
Licensing and regulation
Gambling is regulated at the state and territory level, not by the federal government. Each state has its own regulator and its own licensing structure.
Examples:
Regulators control:
Economic importance
Offline gambling is a multibillion-dollar industry that generates income for both government and business:
However, the economic benefits are accompanied by social costs: increased dependence, bankruptcy, family conflicts.
Restriction and control measures
The government is introducing initiatives to reduce gambling harm:
Some states also restrict:
Social perception
Gambling in Australia is perceived ambivalently:
In recent years, there has been a growing public demand for tighter regulation, especially with regard to advertising campaigns and influence on young people.
Conclusion
Offline gambling in Australia is a developed and structured system that combines economic interests, cultural characteristics and social challenges. It is based on a powerful network of clubs, pubs and casinos, is regulated at the state level and actively affects the lives of millions of citizens.
Understanding how the terrestrial gambling industry works is important for both gamblers and professionals studying the market or working in gambling. With increasing control and a growing number of dependent players, the question of the balance between profit and responsibility is becoming more acute.
The system is designed so that gambling is closely integrated into everyday life - from small pubs with pokies to huge casino resorts. In this article, we will analyze how offline gambling functions in Australia, who regulates it and what its features are.
General structure of offline gambling
Offline gambling in Australia covers:
- slot machines (pokies);
- betting points;
- clubs and the RSL (Returned & Services League);
- hotels and pubs with gambling licences;
- large land-based casinos;
- lotteries and bingo.
Games are available in almost every city and even in small towns. This makes Australia one of the most saturated countries in terms of the number of gaming places per capita.
Pokies are the basis of offline gambling
Poker machines (pokies) is an Australian term for slots. They are installed everywhere:
- in bars and pubs;
- in clubs (especially RSL clubs);
- in the gaming halls of major casinos.
As of 2025, there are more than 180,000 machines in the country, most of which are located outside the casino.
The average RTP (return percentage to player) of such machines is 85-90%, which is lower than that of online slots.
In some states, players can set betting limits in advance - this is part of the "responsible play" policy.
Largest land-based casinos
In Australia, there are several large-scale casino centers that are both tourist and economic points:
- The Star Sydney (NSW)
- Crown Melbourne (Victoria)
- The Star Gold Coast (Queensland)
- SkyCity Adelaide (South Australia)
- Casino Canberra (Australian Capital Territory)
Casinos offer:
- slots and electronic games;
- board games (roulette, poker, blackjack);
- VIP zones for high rollers;
- restaurants, shows and hotel complexes.
Licensing and regulation
Gambling is regulated at the state and territory level, not by the federal government. Each state has its own regulator and its own licensing structure.
Examples:
- Liquor & Gaming NSW - NSW
- Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC)— Виктория
- Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR) - Queensland
Regulators control:
- licenses for operators;
- compliance with the rules for the return of winnings;
- the number of machines in the institution;
- player access (including age control and self-exclusion).
Economic importance
Offline gambling is a multibillion-dollar industry that generates income for both government and business:
- Revenues from machines, bets and casinos - more than 20 billion AUD per year.
- Gambling taxes are one of the key sources of income for the regions.
- Jobs are being created - from dealers to security and bartenders.
However, the economic benefits are accompanied by social costs: increased dependence, bankruptcy, family conflicts.
Restriction and control measures
The government is introducing initiatives to reduce gambling harm:
- Self-exclusion systems - the player can prohibit himself from entering the casino.
- Pre-commitment system - the player sets limits before starting the game.
- Restrictions on advertising games in the media and on the streets.
- Requirements for informing - information about risks is posted on machines and in halls.
Some states also restrict:
- the number of machines per establishment;
- working hours of the halls;
- maximum rates.
Social perception
Gambling in Australia is perceived ambivalently:
- on the one hand - as part of culture and leisure (especially pokies in pubs);
- on the other hand, as a serious social problem, especially in vulnerable segments of the population.
In recent years, there has been a growing public demand for tighter regulation, especially with regard to advertising campaigns and influence on young people.
Conclusion
Offline gambling in Australia is a developed and structured system that combines economic interests, cultural characteristics and social challenges. It is based on a powerful network of clubs, pubs and casinos, is regulated at the state level and actively affects the lives of millions of citizens.
Understanding how the terrestrial gambling industry works is important for both gamblers and professionals studying the market or working in gambling. With increasing control and a growing number of dependent players, the question of the balance between profit and responsibility is becoming more acute.
