Gambling is an incredibly popular pastime all around the world, but nowhere, perhaps, is this clearer than in Australia. In fact, gambling is so popular here that, as a recent study revealed, it is estimated that an incredible 73% of Australian adults engage in gambling at least once over 12 months, and 38% reported doing so at least once a week. Gambling is not only popular in Australia, but it has also become an integral part of the country's cultural identity. With this in mind, it makes sense that Australia does gambling well, and in this article, we’ll explore how, exactly, this is the case.
Number One: Pokies
Slot machines, also known as poker machines, are so popular in Australia that it was the Aussies themselves who coined the term ‘pokies’ for them in the mid-1900s. A recent study conducted by the Australian Gambling Association brought to light the fact that one-third of Australian adults make use of the numerous poker machines available to them at least once a year.
Of course, Pokies can be accessed in numerous casinos across the country, as well as within some pubs and clubs in specific states, but what really shines are the numerous online options that are available to Australia’s visitors. Websites that offer online pokies bring the thrill of this popular gambling game to players' fingertips, making it more accessible than ever. Additionally, many of these sites also offer their players countless rewards and incentives, which really goes to show how these online pokies know what they are doing when it comes to attracting new gambling customers.
Number Two: Casinos
Online options do make just about everything easier and more accessible than it ever has been. In fact, these days all businesses are advised to provide their customers and users with mobile options regarding their services. Despite this, Australia hasn’t forgotten the importance of the traditional casino. There are fourteen highly established casinos all across the country that provide glitz, glamour, and gambling to every visitor. Amongst these is one of the biggest and most well-regarded casinos in the world, Crown Casino in Melbourne.
The Australians struck gold when they made this casino. The colossal complex not only meets their gamblers' gambling needs, but also provides players with countless options when it comes to hotel rooms, shopping opportunities, and entertainment complexes.
Number Three: Regulations
It might seem a little odd, but an effective regulating body is an essential aspect of what makes gambling fun and accessible, and Australia knows this well. In Australia, all forms of gambling are regulated by multiple different bodies, with each overseeing all of Australia’s states and territories. Having so many institutions looking after all areas within Australia means that everyone has the opportunity to gamble both legally and safely and can rest assured that there are multiple sources of support and information out there should they need it. On top of this, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (the ACMA ensures that all gambling companies follow advertising regulations in order to further promote safe gambling behaviour across the country.
Number Four: Scratch Cards
Another form of gambling that Australia gets right is its scratch cards. These cards, affectionately named ‘scratchies’ by the Aussies, are available to purchase in all states and territories across Australia, bar WA (Western Australia). Scratchies are incredibly popular in Australia, and the biggest supplier and provider is the company, The Lott, which is also the official home of Australia’s lotteries. The chances of winning on these cards average at around one in four, making them a tantalising option for Australian gamblers. In fact, scratch cards are so popular in Australia that it was estimated that a total of 8.6 million adults purchased at least one card during 2017-2018.
The Appeal of Gambling in Australia
Gambling is highly popular in Australia, and there are many different reasons that this could be the case. Many people see gambling as an expression of the Australian people’s free and rebellious spirit, as well as their general inclination for fun and thrill-seeking. Whatever the reason, it is clear that Australia really does know what they are doing when it comes to gambling.