Comparison of spending by region: NSW, Victoria, Queensland, et al.

Comparison of slot machine spending by region: NSW, Victoria, Queensland, et al.

💡Section: "How much Australians are spending on slot machines in 2025"

Total loss by category

In Australia, about A $12 billion is lost annually on pokie machines (EGMs) in the 2020-21 fiscal year.
According to additional data, the total cost of slot machines (pokies) is A $5. 3 billion, of which:
  • NSW — A$2. 23 billion
  • Victoria — A$1. 3 billion
  • Queensland — A$1. 1 billion

Losses by region

RegionPokie Losses (2024-25)Characteristic
New South WalesA$2. 23 billionThe most in absolute losses
VictoriaA$1. 3 billionHigh social losses - A $14 billion
QueenslandA$1. 1 billionSignificant amounts, significant share of the budget
Other regionssignificantly lowerFor example, SA - total gaming spending less than A $1 billion

Analysis and context

NSW is leading the way in more than total losses - players lost A $2 in the first 90 days of 2025 alone. 17 billion, which is about A $24 million per day.
In Victoria, losses are not only financial, but also social: the damage from gambling addiction exceeds A $14 billion in 2022-23.
While Queensland shows smaller numbers, it remains a significant player in terms of losses - A $1. 1 billion

Conclusion

Regional differences in player losses on pokie machines are quite significant:
  • NSW is the absolute leader in losses, a high concentration of gaming machines, especially in the western regions of Sydney.
  • Victoria - the second largest loss, but social damage is much higher - indicates deep problems.
  • Queensland is the third highest amount, despite a smaller population and other regulatory measures.

Looking at these numbers, it is clear that dealing with the consequences of gambling is not only an economic but also a social task that requires a differentiated approach in each state. Do you want to additionally compare this data on losses per capita or dynamics by years?