Online gambling as part of national tourism
Online gambling as part of national tourism (as part of the Future of Online Gambling in Australia section)
Context: the intersection of two industries
Australia is traditionally known as a country with a developed gambling sector - from casinos in Sydney and Melbourne to lotteries and betting services. Tourism, in turn, generates a significant share of GDP, attracting millions of foreign visitors annually. Increased digitalization and new rules for online gambling create the basis for connecting these areas into a single ecosystem "tourism + digital entertainment."
Online Gambling and Tourism Integration Formats
1. Hybrid tour packages
Casino + travel packages, where the customer gains access not only to offline casinos and tourist routes, but also to licensed online platforms with Australian registration.
The ability to play online during the trip and after it - keeping the client as a "virtual tourist."
2. Virtual casinos and live tourism
Live games are broadcast from real casinos in Australia, where a tourist can participate remotely.
Virtual tours of casinos and hotels with augmented reality (VR/AR), which stimulate a subsequent visit to the country.
3. Loyalty and cross-integration
Loyalty points for participating in online gambling can be converted into discounts on hotels, flights and excursions.
Travel companies get a new monetization channel by integrating gaming services into their platforms.
4. Local brands and cultural emphasis
Promotion of unique Australian lotteries, sports betting on national sports (rugby, cricket, AFL).
Virtual events synchronised with tourism festivals - such as online betting on racing in Melbourne.
Regulatory framework
All integrations are possible only within the framework of the Interactive Gambling Act (IGA) and taking into account the National Consumer Protection Framework (NCPF).
Mandatory integration with BetStop, banning credit cards and cryptocurrencies, transparent reports and identity verification - also apply to tourist users.
The issue of cross-border regulation (foreign players) is resolved through local operators with a license.
Economic impact for Australia
Growth of tourist check. Tourists spend more if hybrid entertainment is available.
New jobs. Vacancies appear in IT, marketing, cybersecurity and entertainment.
Increase in tax base. Legalized online gambling in conjunction with tourism gives the state a sustainable source of income.
Risks and challenges
Dependence on regulation. Excessive tightening can limit integration.
Responsible play. Foreign tourists should receive the same level of protection as local users.
Image risks. It is important to maintain a balance: tourism should not be associated exclusively with the gambling industry.
Trajectory 2025-2027
Creation of national digital platforms for joint tourism + gambling programs.
Growth in the use of VR/AR and streaming services for streaming from casinos.
Expanding partnerships between airlines, hotels and gaming B2B platforms.
Entry into the market of new startups offering hybrid travel + online gaming services.
Bottom line:
Context: the intersection of two industries
Australia is traditionally known as a country with a developed gambling sector - from casinos in Sydney and Melbourne to lotteries and betting services. Tourism, in turn, generates a significant share of GDP, attracting millions of foreign visitors annually. Increased digitalization and new rules for online gambling create the basis for connecting these areas into a single ecosystem "tourism + digital entertainment."
Online Gambling and Tourism Integration Formats
1. Hybrid tour packages
Casino + travel packages, where the customer gains access not only to offline casinos and tourist routes, but also to licensed online platforms with Australian registration.
The ability to play online during the trip and after it - keeping the client as a "virtual tourist."
2. Virtual casinos and live tourism
Live games are broadcast from real casinos in Australia, where a tourist can participate remotely.
Virtual tours of casinos and hotels with augmented reality (VR/AR), which stimulate a subsequent visit to the country.
3. Loyalty and cross-integration
Loyalty points for participating in online gambling can be converted into discounts on hotels, flights and excursions.
Travel companies get a new monetization channel by integrating gaming services into their platforms.
4. Local brands and cultural emphasis
Promotion of unique Australian lotteries, sports betting on national sports (rugby, cricket, AFL).
Virtual events synchronised with tourism festivals - such as online betting on racing in Melbourne.
Regulatory framework
All integrations are possible only within the framework of the Interactive Gambling Act (IGA) and taking into account the National Consumer Protection Framework (NCPF).
Mandatory integration with BetStop, banning credit cards and cryptocurrencies, transparent reports and identity verification - also apply to tourist users.
The issue of cross-border regulation (foreign players) is resolved through local operators with a license.
Economic impact for Australia
Growth of tourist check. Tourists spend more if hybrid entertainment is available.
New jobs. Vacancies appear in IT, marketing, cybersecurity and entertainment.
Increase in tax base. Legalized online gambling in conjunction with tourism gives the state a sustainable source of income.
Risks and challenges
Dependence on regulation. Excessive tightening can limit integration.
Responsible play. Foreign tourists should receive the same level of protection as local users.
Image risks. It is important to maintain a balance: tourism should not be associated exclusively with the gambling industry.
Trajectory 2025-2027
Creation of national digital platforms for joint tourism + gambling programs.
Growth in the use of VR/AR and streaming services for streaming from casinos.
Expanding partnerships between airlines, hotels and gaming B2B platforms.
Entry into the market of new startups offering hybrid travel + online gaming services.
Bottom line:
- Online gambling is becoming part of Australia's tourism economy, creating new leisure formats, increasing the country's competitiveness and providing an additional stream of taxes. The future lies in the integration of licensed platforms, hybrid tour packages and technologies that turn the trip into a comprehensive digital-real experience.
