How much Australians are spending on pokies in 2025
Australia has long held a reputation as one of the world's most gambling nations. Despite tighter regulation and increased awareness of gaming addiction, spending on slot machines (poker machines, or "pokies") remains consistently high.
Average Aussies spending on slot machines
According to the latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics and state gambling commissions:
Breakdown by state:
Trends 2025
Online platforms with real slots are crowding out land-based machines, particularly in Queensland and Western Australia.
Mobile slots have become the main way of playing for young people (18-30 years old).
Cryptocurrency deposits and PayID make it easier to access casinos by increasing the frequency of bets.
Why are Australians spending so much?
Reasons for high costs:
Impact and controls
States implement rate limits, session timers and self-exclusion features
In 2025, mandatory registration of players by ID is actively discussed to track losses
Campaigns launched to play responsibly and prevent addiction
Conclusion
Australians continue to spend billions on slot machines - both at ground clubs and online. This trend requires a balance between freedom of choice, the entertainment industry and responsible regulation. If you play - play consciously and wisely.
Average Aussies spending on slot machines
According to the latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics and state gambling commissions:
- Total annual spending on slot machines - over AUD 13 billion
- Average adult Australian spends around AUD 1,000-1,200 a year
- Per player (of those who play regularly) this amount can reach 3,000 AUD and above
Breakdown by state:
| State/Territory | Annual Spending (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| New South Wales (NSW) | 6. 4 billion AUD |
| Victoria (VIC) | 2. 5 billion AUD |
| Queensland (QLD) | 2. 3 billion AUD |
| South Australia (SA) | 1. 1 billion AUD |
| Other Regions | <1 billion AUD |
💡NSW remains the largest region in terms of spending on pokies - about 50% of all slot machines in the country are concentrated here.
Trends 2025
Online platforms with real slots are crowding out land-based machines, particularly in Queensland and Western Australia.
Mobile slots have become the main way of playing for young people (18-30 years old).
Cryptocurrency deposits and PayID make it easier to access casinos by increasing the frequency of bets.
Why are Australians spending so much?
Reasons for high costs:
- Cultural perception: Pokies are part of Australian life (especially in pubs)
- High availability of machines: more than 190,000 pokies nationwide
- Near-win effect and attractive mechanics
- Aggressive bonuses and loyalty programs
Impact and controls
States implement rate limits, session timers and self-exclusion features
In 2025, mandatory registration of players by ID is actively discussed to track losses
Campaigns launched to play responsibly and prevent addiction
Conclusion
Australians continue to spend billions on slot machines - both at ground clubs and online. This trend requires a balance between freedom of choice, the entertainment industry and responsible regulation. If you play - play consciously and wisely.
