Age groups and their average spending
1. Background - regulars (not teens)
According to a study by Regular pokies gambling in Australia, 2022 (AIFS), among regular machine players (played ≥2 times a month):
Age-related spending gradient (month, median):
The younger - the higher the average losses on machines.
2. Adolescents (12-19 years)
As reviewed by the Australia Institute:
Thus, a significant share of spending in adolescence is at the older border (18-19 years).
3. Spending summary by age group
4. Interpretation
Adults 18 to 34 are the most active age group for slot spending.
People over 35 spend noticeably less.
Teenagers under 17 almost do not spend, while 18-19 year olds, although not everyone plays, spend significantly more (up to A $698 per year on average for participants).
5. Context for 'How much Australians are spending on pokies in 2025'
The main economic contribution to the pokies segment is from young adults (18-34), then 35-54 and 55 +.
Significant upside or regulatory impact is among 18- to 19-year-olds demonstrating a rapid transition to active play.
The spending of adolescents under 18 is relatively small, but if you group by the number of participants, the overall impact can be considered significant (especially for understanding the dynamics of engagement).
Sources
Australian Institute of Family Studies: median spending on pokies by age (18-34: A $500; 35-54 & 55+: A$400).
Australia Institute: Spending 12-19 year olds - A $9. 18, A$30. 79, A$321. 10, A$698. 05.
According to a study by Regular pokies gambling in Australia, 2022 (AIFS), among regular machine players (played ≥2 times a month):
- Average (median) monthly spend on pokies: A $400.
Age-related spending gradient (month, median):
- 18-34 years: A $500
- 35-54 years: A $400
- 55 + years: A $400
The younger - the higher the average losses on machines.
2. Adolescents (12-19 years)
As reviewed by the Australia Institute:
- The total annual spending of adolescents 12-19 years old is ~ A $231 million, which averages A $86. 72 per year per teenager.
- 12-17 years: A $9. 18 per year (average all teens), A $30. 79 on those who actually play.
- 18-19: A $321. 10 per year for each, and A $698. 05 on a teenager who actually plays.
Thus, a significant share of spending in adolescence is at the older border (18-19 years).
3. Spending summary by age group
| Age group | Average spend on pokies (median, months) | Average spend (year, teens) |
|---|---|---|
| 18-34 years old | A $500 | - |
| 35-54 years | A $400 | - |
| 55 + years | A $400 | - |
| 12-17 years old | - | A $9. 18 (among all), A $30. 79 (playing) |
| 18-19 years old | - | A $321. 10 (all), A $698. 05 (players) |
4. Interpretation
Adults 18 to 34 are the most active age group for slot spending.
People over 35 spend noticeably less.
Teenagers under 17 almost do not spend, while 18-19 year olds, although not everyone plays, spend significantly more (up to A $698 per year on average for participants).
5. Context for 'How much Australians are spending on pokies in 2025'
The main economic contribution to the pokies segment is from young adults (18-34), then 35-54 and 55 +.
Significant upside or regulatory impact is among 18- to 19-year-olds demonstrating a rapid transition to active play.
The spending of adolescents under 18 is relatively small, but if you group by the number of participants, the overall impact can be considered significant (especially for understanding the dynamics of engagement).
Sources
Australian Institute of Family Studies: median spending on pokies by age (18-34: A $500; 35-54 & 55+: A$400).
Australia Institute: Spending 12-19 year olds - A $9. 18, A$30. 79, A$321. 10, A$698. 05.
