LIVING – Online gambling is a popular pastime in Australia as evident in the per capita spending charts. Recently, H2 Gambling Capital conducted a comprehensive gambling study that showed adults in Australia on average spend about AU$17.52 per week on gambling. In fact, the study even indicated that Aussie online gamblers have more positive views on gambling than do land-based gamblers. This study sought to find out which groups of people are gambling, what they are playing and why Australia is one the most popular gambling hotspots.
Who?
Research indicates that there are more males that participate in online gambling, and estimates range from 62% to 77% of players being male. In addition, online gamblers tend to be about 6 years younger on average than land-based players with a mean age of 39. Another interesting statistic is that online gamblers are more likely to have a full-time job, have a university degree and an average income between AU$90,000 and AU$119,000. Online gamblers in Australia are more likely to consider themselves as professional or semi-professional players.
What?
Online gamblers tend to participate in a larger number of gambling activities than land-based players including poker, horse racing and sports betting. Race and sports betting are the most popular choices for online gamblers. Table games, like those offered at Casino Tropez, are also popular for online gamblers. The statistics indicate 80% of racing and sports betting players, 57% of table game players, 43% of lottery players and 26% of poker players play online. Only 17% of online gamblers played EGMs or slots games which is likely due to the fact that there are not as many legalized slots gaming options. Overwhelming, Aussies prefer to play on laptop or desktop computers – 86% use computers while 14% use mobile devices.
Why?
So, now that we know who participates in online gambling and what they enjoy playing, here’s why Aussies love online gambling. In the study, 63% of players said that the main reason why they play online is because it is convenient. Online players also stated it is simply more comfortable to play at home. Aussies also prefer online gambling because they believe online casinos have a competitive advantage coupled with a wide range of betting options, and fast payouts. According to the study, 60% of online gambling in Australia is conducted through international casinos. Interestingly, 54% of online gamblers have just one account at one site. By the numbers, it is clear Aussies love online gambling and know how to enjoy it in a safe, and responsible fashion.