Spending on slot machines versus other forms of gambling
Slot machines as the main source of spending
Australians traditionally spend the most on slot machines (poker machines). According to regulators and independent analysts, slots account for about 65-70% of all gambling spending in the country. This is due to the high availability, instant dynamics and habit of the players.
The average adult Australian leaves between 800 and 1,200 AUDs per year on slots, well above similar spending on other types of gambling.
Comparison with other forms of gambling
1. Sports betting
In 2025, spending on sports betting is estimated to average 400-600 AUD per year per person, almost half that of machines.
The main peak of spending falls on major events: AFL, NRL, horse racing and international tournaments.
2. Online casinos (board games, roulette, blackjack)
Average costs are kept at 250-400 AUD per year.
Despite the growing interest in online platforms, spending remains lower than in slots due to more complex gameplay and less involvement of newcomers.
3. Poker (online and offline)
Australians spend around AUD 150-250 a year on poker.
This is a niche discipline that is popular among a narrow audience, so its share in total spending is minimal.
4. Lotteries
The average annual spending on lotteries is 100-150 AUD.
Despite the low costs, the level of involvement is high: a significant part of the adult population buys tickets at least once a month, but the amounts are minimal.
Reasons for the dominance of automata
Accessibility: The machines are located in clubs, pubs and casinos across the country, with thousands of them.
Game speed: Bets are placed every few seconds, increasing aggregate spending.
Psychological factors: near-gain effect, illusion of control, and visual stimuli.
Simplicity of rules: Unlike poker or roulette, even beginners without preparation can play.
Share of expenses in total gambling structure
As of 2025:
Result
Slot machines remain the main driver of Australians' spending on gambling, outperforming sports, casinos, poker and lotteries in multiples. Even with the growing popularity of online gambling, the cost structure hardly changes: slots retain leadership due to accessibility, simplicity and strong psychological impact.
Australians traditionally spend the most on slot machines (poker machines). According to regulators and independent analysts, slots account for about 65-70% of all gambling spending in the country. This is due to the high availability, instant dynamics and habit of the players.
The average adult Australian leaves between 800 and 1,200 AUDs per year on slots, well above similar spending on other types of gambling.
Comparison with other forms of gambling
1. Sports betting
In 2025, spending on sports betting is estimated to average 400-600 AUD per year per person, almost half that of machines.
The main peak of spending falls on major events: AFL, NRL, horse racing and international tournaments.
2. Online casinos (board games, roulette, blackjack)
Average costs are kept at 250-400 AUD per year.
Despite the growing interest in online platforms, spending remains lower than in slots due to more complex gameplay and less involvement of newcomers.
3. Poker (online and offline)
Australians spend around AUD 150-250 a year on poker.
This is a niche discipline that is popular among a narrow audience, so its share in total spending is minimal.
4. Lotteries
The average annual spending on lotteries is 100-150 AUD.
Despite the low costs, the level of involvement is high: a significant part of the adult population buys tickets at least once a month, but the amounts are minimal.
Reasons for the dominance of automata
Accessibility: The machines are located in clubs, pubs and casinos across the country, with thousands of them.
Game speed: Bets are placed every few seconds, increasing aggregate spending.
Psychological factors: near-gain effect, illusion of control, and visual stimuli.
Simplicity of rules: Unlike poker or roulette, even beginners without preparation can play.
Share of expenses in total gambling structure
As of 2025:
- Slot machines - ~ 70% of all spending.
- Sports rates - ~ 20%.
- Online casinos and board games - ~ 7%.
- Poker and lotteries - ~ 3%.
Result
Slot machines remain the main driver of Australians' spending on gambling, outperforming sports, casinos, poker and lotteries in multiples. Even with the growing popularity of online gambling, the cost structure hardly changes: slots retain leadership due to accessibility, simplicity and strong psychological impact.
