Australia has one of the most gambling-intensive cultures in the world. Despite having a population of just 26 million, Australians lose more money to gambling per capita than any other nation. The Australia gambling market size 2026 reflects this unique position, with total expenditure reaching record levels in recent years.
According to the Queensland Government Statistician’s Office (QGSO) and Gambling Research Australia (GRA) , the Australian gambling market generated approximately $17 billion in revenue during the 2024-2025 financial year. This represents a 5% increase from the previous year, driven primarily by the continued shift toward online platforms.
This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the market size, revenue breakdown by sector, per capita losses, and participation rates for 2026.
Total Gambling Market Size 2026
The Australian gambling market has shown consistent growth over the past decade, with only a temporary dip during the COVID-19 lockdowns when land-based venues were closed. The market has since rebounded strongly.
Key Statistics:
- Total market value (2024-2025): $17 billion AUD
- Year-over-year growth: +5%
- Projected market value (2028): $19 billion AUD
- Global ranking: Top 5 gambling markets worldwide
The growth is driven by two main factors: the expansion of online sports betting platforms and the increasing accessibility of offshore online casinos. While land-based pokies remain popular, their market share has been gradually declining.
| Year | Total Market Size (AUD) | Year-over-Year Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2019-2020 | $14.2 billion | – |
| 2020-2021 | $12.8 billion | -10% (COVID impact) |
| 2021-2022 | $15.1 billion | +18% |
| 2022-2023 | $15.8 billion | +5% |
| 2023-2024 | $16.2 billion | +3% |
| 2024-2025 | $17.0 billion | +5% |
Revenue Breakdown by Sector
The $17 billion market is divided across several sectors, with online gambling now taking the largest share. Here is the detailed breakdown for 2024-2025:
Online Gambling (54% – $9.2 billion):
- Online sports betting: $4.8 billion
- Online casino / pokies (offshore): $3.9 billion
- Online lotteries and keno: $0.5 billion
Land-Based Gambling (46% – $7.8 billion):
- Land-based pokies (clubs & pubs): $5.2 billion
- Land-based casinos: $2.6 billion
The shift toward online platforms accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic and has continued as consumer habits changed permanently. Younger gamblers (18-34) now prefer mobile apps over physical venues, a trend that analysts expect to continue.
| Sector | Revenue (AUD) | Share of Total | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Land-Based Pokies | $5.2 billion | 30.6% | Declining |
| Online Sports Betting | $4.8 billion | 28.2% | Growing (+8%) |
| Online Casino / Pokies | $3.9 billion | 22.9% | Growing (+12%) |
| Land-Based Casinos | $2.6 billion | 15.3% | Declining |
| Lotteries & Keno | $0.5 billion | 3.0% | Stable |
Per Capita Gambling Losses
Australia consistently ranks as one of the highest gambling-loss nations per capita in the world. According to international comparisons, Australians lose approximately $1,300 per adult annually to gambling, second only to Singapore.
Key Per Capita Statistics (2025):
- Losses per adult: $1,300 AUD per year
- Losses per capita (total population): $650 AUD per person
- Global ranking: #2 highest per capita gambling losses
When broken down by state, New South Wales has the highest per capita losses, driven by the concentration of pokies in clubs and pubs. Western Australia has the lowest, due to stricter regulations on electronic gaming machines.
| State | Annual Losses per Adult | Primary Gambling Type |
|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | $1,550 | Pokies |
| Victoria | $1,250 | Pokies & Casinos |
| Queensland | $1,100 | Pokies |
| South Australia | $950 | Online & Casinos |
| Western Australia | $650 | Casinos & Online |
Gambling Participation Rates by Demographic
Not all Australians gamble at the same rate. Participation varies significantly by age, gender, and socioeconomic factors. According to the Australian Gambling Statistics (2025) , approximately 65% of Australian adults participate in some form of gambling annually.
Key Participation Statistics:
- Overall participation rate: 65% of adults
- Men: 70% participation rate
- Women: 60% participation rate
- Most common form: Lotteries (45% participation)
- Fastest growing: Online sports betting (+15% year-over-year)
Younger Australians (18-34) show the strongest preference for online platforms, with 78% of their gambling activity occurring online. Older Australians (55+) still prefer land-based venues, particularly pokies in local clubs.
Video Resource
This Al Jazeera documentary examines the scale of Australia’s gambling losses and its social consequences, complementing the market size statistics ($32 billion annually, $1,635 per adult) presented above.
How Big Is Australia’s Gambling Market in 2026?
Q1: What is the total size of Australia’s gambling market in 2026? ▼
The Australian gambling market reached $17 billion in 2024-2025 and is projected to grow to $19 billion by 2028. Online gambling now accounts for 54% of the total market.
Q2: How much do Australians lose to gambling per year? ▼
Australians lose approximately $17 billion annually to gambling. Per adult, losses average $1,300 per year, making Australia the second-highest gambling-loss nation per capita in the world.
Q3: Which gambling sector generates the most revenue? ▼
Land-based pokies remain the single largest sector at $5.2 billion (30.6% of the market). However, online sports betting ($4.8 billion) and online casino ($3.9 billion) are growing faster.
Q4: What percentage of Australians gamble regularly? ▼
Approximately 65% of Australian adults participate in some form of gambling annually. Participation is highest among men (70%) and adults aged 18-54.
Q5: Where can I find official Australian gambling statistics? ▼
Official statistics are published by the Queensland Government Statistician’s Office (QGSO) in their annual Australian Gambling Statistics report, as well as the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).
