How much gaming clubs collect from each machine
General figures and context
In South Australia (SA), in the financial year 2024-25, the loss of players on slot machines exceeded A $1 billion, of which A $555 million was received by clubs and pubs, and A $453 million went to the state treasury.
In New South Wales (NSW), about 90,000 machines brought A $8 to operators. 2 billion profit in 2022-23.
Assessment of income from a separate machine
In SA, the average annual income per device (in clubs) is approximately A $47,000:
In South Australia (SA), in the financial year 2024-25, the loss of players on slot machines exceeded A $1 billion, of which A $555 million was received by clubs and pubs, and A $453 million went to the state treasury.
In New South Wales (NSW), about 90,000 machines brought A $8 to operators. 2 billion profit in 2022-23.
Assessment of income from a separate machine
In SA, the average annual income per device (in clubs) is approximately A $47,000:
- A $555 million ÷ ~ 11,600 cars = ≈A$47 800. NSW has a similar assessment:
- A$8. 2 billion ÷ ~ 87,000 cars = ≈A$94 000 per year from one machine.
What it means for venues
Clubs and pubs receive significant income from each machine, often exceeding A $50 thousand per year.
For many, pokies establishments are the most important source of funding, covering the costs of salaries, products and infrastructure.
Comparison by region
| Region | Total profit of operators | Number of machines | Profit per machine (year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Australia (SA) | A $555 million | ~ 11,600 | ≈A$47 800 |
| New SOUTH Wales (NSW) | A $8. 2 billion | ~ 87,000 | ≈A$94 000 |
Conclusion
Gaming clubs and pubs in Australia benefit significantly from pokie machines. Revenue from each unit reaches tens of thousands of dollars a year - especially in NSW. This underscores the importance of poker in venue business models and explains why regulation of technology faces institutional resistance.
