How much beginners spend against experienced players
1. Who are "beginners" and "experienced" - criteria
Beginners are those for whom slot machines first became part of gambling within the last two years and who play irregularly.
Experienced players - regularly play (at least once every two weeks), have a history of betting and involvement. They are more likely to face a risk of harm and spend significantly more.
2. Rookie spending vs experienced players
According to the National Gambling Trends Study (2022):
Conclusion: Experienced players (especially at risk) spend 4 times more on pokies compared to less involved beginners.
3. Mechanisms that increase the spending of experienced players
81. 9% of regular (experienced) players are classified as at risk (low-/moderate-/high-risk), of which almost 45. 1 % — high-risk .
The use of credit cards for rates is typical for ~ 19. 4% experienced players, which increases the debt burden and increases spending.
Experienced players often spend long sessions (median - 2 hours), play at night, and do multiple sessions - all this increases the overall level of costs and damage.
Final comparison table
Context for 'How much Australians are spending on pokies in 2025'
1. Key observation: indirectly, the result shows that beginners spend much less - about A $125 per month, while experienced players, especially at risk, spend significantly more (median A $400-500).
2. Adjustment and intervention: The focus of support should be on experienced players, especially those who use credit and ignore limits.
3. Education: It is important to educate newcomers about the risks of rapid engagement and the illusion of control.
Sources
National Gambling Trends Study (2022), Australian Gambling Research Center (AIFS): regular players spend A $400/month on pokies, experienced vs less involved (risk-level) - A $500 vs A $125, session duration, credits.
Beginners are those for whom slot machines first became part of gambling within the last two years and who play irregularly.
Experienced players - regularly play (at least once every two weeks), have a history of betting and involvement. They are more likely to face a risk of harm and spend significantly more.
2. Rookie spending vs experienced players
According to the National Gambling Trends Study (2022):
- Experienced regular players (≥2 times a month) spend an average of A $400 per month on pokies; total monthly losses for all gambling - A $1,019 (median).
- Non-risk players (less involved) spend approximately A $125 on pokies, while risk/high risk players spend up to A $500.
Conclusion: Experienced players (especially at risk) spend 4 times more on pokies compared to less involved beginners.
3. Mechanisms that increase the spending of experienced players
81. 9% of regular (experienced) players are classified as at risk (low-/moderate-/high-risk), of which almost 45. 1 % — high-risk .
The use of credit cards for rates is typical for ~ 19. 4% experienced players, which increases the debt burden and increases spending.
Experienced players often spend long sessions (median - 2 hours), play at night, and do multiple sessions - all this increases the overall level of costs and damage.
Final comparison table
| Player Group | Average Monthly Spend on pokies | Risk Level | Behavioral Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginners/Less Involved | ≈ A $125 | Low Risk | Fewer Sessions, More Controlled Play |
| Experienced/regular players | ≈ A $400 (up to A $500) | High risk (≈82%) | Long sessions (2 h), credits, night games |
Context for 'How much Australians are spending on pokies in 2025'
1. Key observation: indirectly, the result shows that beginners spend much less - about A $125 per month, while experienced players, especially at risk, spend significantly more (median A $400-500).
2. Adjustment and intervention: The focus of support should be on experienced players, especially those who use credit and ignore limits.
3. Education: It is important to educate newcomers about the risks of rapid engagement and the illusion of control.
Sources
National Gambling Trends Study (2022), Australian Gambling Research Center (AIFS): regular players spend A $400/month on pokies, experienced vs less involved (risk-level) - A $500 vs A $125, session duration, credits.
