The Australian gambling industry has always been one of the most dynamic in the world. With Aussies known for their love of pokies, sports betting, and casino entertainment, it’s no surprise that the government often steps in with new regulations to balance entertainment, player protection, and tax revenues. In 2025, gambling reforms continue to reshape the industry, sparking debates about who truly benefits and who faces the downside.
In this article, we dive deep into the winners and losers of Australia’s gambling reforms, unpacking the impacts on players, casinos, online operators, government revenue, and local communities.
The Current Gambling Landscape in Australia
Australia has one of the highest gambling participation rates globally. From traditional pokies in pubs and clubs to online casinos and mobile betting apps, gambling is woven into the country’s social fabric.
Some quick facts about gambling in Australia:
- Pokies (slot machines) account for nearly 50% of total gambling losses.
- Online casinos, though technically restricted, remain highly popular with Aussies who play on offshore platforms.
- Sports betting has boomed, especially since mobile apps made placing a bet on the AFL, NRL, or cricket as easy as a tap on the screen.
- In 2023–24, Australians lost over AUD 25 billion on gambling activities – one of the highest per capita figures in the world.
These staggering numbers have pushed the government to tighten regulations, aiming to protect vulnerable gamblers while ensuring fair play and transparency.
Key Gambling Reforms in Australia
Over the last few years, several reforms have been introduced or proposed. The most impactful include:
- Cashless Gaming Trials
- NSW and other states are piloting cashless pokies, where players must use digital cards linked to their ID.
- This is designed to curb money laundering and help track problem gambling.
- Advertising Restrictions
- Stricter rules on when and where sports betting ads can appear, especially during live broadcasts.
- Calls to implement a “whistle-to-whistle” ban on betting ads during sporting events.
- Online Gambling Crackdowns
- More blocks on offshore casino sites.
- Licensing requirements for online betting operators tightened.
- Player Protection Measures
- Mandatory self-exclusion registers across states.
- Spending limits and time-out features introduced on electronic gaming machines.
- Taxation Adjustments
- Increased levies on casinos and betting companies.
- A push for higher contributions to problem gambling support funds.
Who Wins?
Reforms inevitably create winners. Here’s who stands to gain the most:
1. Problem Gamblers and Families
The main aim of reforms is to reduce gambling harm. Cashless systems, ad restrictions, and self-exclusion registers provide much-needed safeguards for vulnerable players. Families affected by gambling addiction could see relief.
2. Governments and Regulators
- With digital tracking, tax collection becomes easier and more accurate.
- Anti-money laundering efforts strengthen, improving Australia’s international reputation.
- Political leaders win points with voters who demand more accountability from casinos.
3. Local Communities
If fewer gambling losses occur, more money may circulate in local economies. Governments also plan to reinvest casino tax revenues into community projects, education, and healthcare.
4. Licensed Online Betting Operators
While offshore casinos face crackdowns, locally licensed sportsbooks and betting platforms could benefit from reduced competition. Companies that comply with regulations will thrive in a safer, more transparent market.
Who Loses?
Not everyone will walk away happy. The reforms hit some groups harder than others:
1. Casinos and Pokies Operators
- Cashless gaming threatens the traditional pokies revenue model.
- Stricter regulations mean higher compliance costs and potential loss of casual gamblers.
- Crown and Star Entertainment, already facing licence challenges, may see reduced profits.
2. Advertising & Media Companies
Sports broadcasters and media houses rely heavily on betting sponsorships. Advertising restrictions mean less revenue, which could affect sports funding.
3. Offshore Online Casinos
Unlicensed offshore sites lose Australian traffic as regulators tighten access. While some Aussies may still use VPNs, it will be harder for these operators to dominate the market.
4. High-Risk Gamblers
Ironically, those most addicted might lose access to “easy gambling” options. For some, this could push gambling underground, creating a black market of unregulated betting sites.
The Future of Gambling in Australia
Looking ahead, the gambling industry in Australia will evolve in several ways:
- More Digital Oversight – Expect all gambling transactions to move toward cashless systems by the end of the decade.
- Growth of Legal Online Betting – Licensed online platforms will expand, offering safer alternatives to offshore casinos.
- Shift in Entertainment Habits – Younger Aussies may gamble less on pokies and more on esports or online skill-based games.
- Community Pushback – If reforms don’t significantly reduce harm, calls for even stricter laws (like banning pokies in pubs and clubs) could grow louder.
Final Thoughts: Balancing the Scales
So, who wins and who loses in Australia’s gambling reforms?
- Winners: Governments, problem gamblers, licensed operators, and communities.
- Losers: Casinos, advertising firms, offshore operators, and heavy gamblers.
Ultimately, reforms aim to strike a balance – keeping gambling as a form of entertainment while reducing its harms. For players, the key takeaway is this: the future of gambling in Australia will be more regulated, more digital, and more responsible.
About the Author
