The Australian gambling market is undergoing a historic transformation. For decades, land-based pokies and casinos dominated the industry, with venues in every state generating billions annually. But the rise of smartphones, betting apps, and offshore platforms has fundamentally changed how Australians gamble.
The Australia online vs land-based gambling market comparison reveals a clear trend: digital channels are not just catching up—they have taken the lead. According to the Queensland Government Statistician’s Office (QGSO), total gambling expenditure in Australia reached $17 billion in 2024-2025, with online platforms accounting for the majority for the first time.
This article compares both sectors across market size, revenue trends, player demographics, regulatory challenges, and future projections.
Online vs Land-Based Market Size
The Australian gambling market is divided into four main sectors: land-based pokies, land-based casinos, online sports betting, and online casino/pokies (mostly offshore). According to Gambling Research Australia (GRA) and Queensland Government Statistician’s Office (QGSO) data for 2024-2025, here is the breakdown:
Online gambling now accounts for 54% of the total market ($9.2 billion), while land-based venues hold 46% ($7.8 billion). This marks the first time online channels have surpassed traditional venues, driven by mobile betting apps, live dealer platforms, and the post-COVID shift in consumer behavior.
| Sector | Revenue (AUD) | Share | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Land-Based Pokies | $5.2 billion | 30.6% | Declining (-2%) |
| Land-Based Casinos | $2.6 billion | 15.3% | Declining (-3%) |
| Online Sports Betting | $4.8 billion | 28.2% | Growing (+8%) |
| Online Casino / Pokies | $3.9 billion | 22.9% | Growing (+12%) |
| Total | $16.5 billion | 100% | – |
Player Demographics – Who Gambles Where?
According to the Australian Gambling Statistics (2025), approximately 65% of Australian adults participate in some form of gambling annually. However, preferences differ significantly by age and location.
Younger Australians (18-34) overwhelmingly prefer online platforms, citing convenience, mobile accessibility, and promotional offers. Older demographics still favor traditional venues, particularly local clubs with pokies and TAB outlets for racing and sports betting.
| Age Group | Online Preference | Land-Based Preference |
|---|---|---|
| 18-34 | 78% | 22% |
| 35-54 | 58% | 42% |
| 55+ | 32% | 68% |
Regulatory Landscape – State Differences & BetStop
Australia’s gambling regulation is complex, with federal laws governing online activities and state laws controlling land-based venues. The Interactive Gambling Act (IGA) 2001 prohibits Australian-based online casinos from offering real-money games to local players, but offshore operators remain accessible.
Federal reforms introduced BetStop, Australia’s national self-exclusion register, in 2024. As of March 2026, over 25,000 Australians have registered, representing a 15% increase from launch. The register covers all licensed online wagering providers, allowing users to exclude themselves from all platforms with a single application.
Future Outlook – What Comes Next?
Industry analysts project continued growth for online gambling, with the sector expected to reach $12 billion by 2028, representing 60% of the total market. Key drivers include:
- Expansion of legal online sports betting markets
- Increased mobile adoption and app improvements
- Integration of cryptocurrency payment options
- Potential regulatory reforms for online casino games
Land-based venues face continued pressure from declining foot traffic, increased operating costs, and stricter harm-minimization measures. However, major casinos are investing in “integrated resort” models, combining gambling with luxury accommodation, dining, and entertainment to attract broader audiences.
Conclusion
Online gambling has overtaken land-based venues in Australia, capturing 54% of the $17 billion market. While land-based pokies remain dominant in clubs and pubs, mobile betting apps and offshore casinos continue to grow. Regulatory reforms like BetStop are reshaping the landscape, and the shift toward digital platforms shows no signs of slowing.
Sources: Queensland Government Statistician’s Office (QGSO), Gambling Research Australia (GRA), Australian Gambling Statistics 2025
Is Online Gambling Bigger Than Land-Based in Australia?
Q1: How much money do Australians lose to gambling each year? ▼
Australians lose approximately $17 billion annually to gambling, making Australia one of the highest gambling-loss nations per capita in the world. Online gambling accounts for 54% ($9.2 billion), while land-based venues account for 46% ($7.8 billion).
Q2: Why is online gambling growing faster than land-based venues? ▼
Online gambling is growing due to mobile accessibility, 24/7 availability, attractive bonuses, and a wider variety of games. Younger demographics (18-34) strongly prefer digital platforms, and offshore casinos offer games not legally available through Australian providers.
Q3: Are online casinos legal in Australia? ▼
Australian-based online casinos cannot offer real-money games under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. However, offshore online casinos remain accessible to Australian players, and enforcement against individual players is not currently pursued.
Q4: Which state has the most pokies in Australia? ▼
New South Wales has the highest number of poker machines with over 95,000 units, primarily located in clubs and pubs. This represents approximately 50% of all pokies in Australia.
Q5: What is BetStop and how does it work? ▼
BetStop is Australia’s national self-exclusion register, launched in 2024. Australians can register once to exclude themselves from all licensed online wagering providers for a period of 3 months to lifetime. As of 2026, over 25,000 people have registered.
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