Poker is Still the Largest Money-Spinner in Australia as the Gambling Industry Grows

IX-XAGHRA, Malta, April 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Although the Australian gambling sector has seen a growth in sports betting, most punters are still drawn to poker

A report by IBIS World has revealed that the gambling sector in Australia is set to grow by 3.3% in 2012. During this time, the betting industry will earn approximately $22.5 billion in revenue, with an average of $1,265 being spent per person.

According to gambling experts, poker still remains the primary money-spinner for the gambling industry, as it is projected to make up 60.2% of total customer spending. With many individuals joining an online casino, punters are now given the opportunity to take part in online poker tournaments, as well as play pokies, blackjack, and roulette in their internet browser.

Terry Maverick, Gaming Club's official representative said that, "The gambling industry has been very strong in Australia for many years now. This has clearly been helped by the growth of several online gaming websites that offer hundreds of online casino games. At Gaming Club, for example, we provide a great range of video poker, online casino, and table games, as well as free Loyalty Points every time you place a bet."

The IBIS World report also revealed that sports betting was the fastest growing sector in the gambling industry. Although sport betting still only makes up around 1.6% of total gaming revenue, it is actually growing at a faster rate than horse racing, slot machines, and lotteries. The report argues that an increased spending on marketing during the AFL and NRL seasons, a growing online accessibility, and the normalisation of taking a bet during a sports event has fuelled the growth of sports betting.

Sally Gainsbury, from the centre for gambling, education and research at Southern Cross University, believes that betting is now synonymous with sport. She also argues that the prominence of new technology, such as the rising penetration of smartphones, enables people to place a bet anywhere.

"There's been so much marketing it has allowed online gambling companies to really target sporting events and sporting fans. So now on TV when you see someone score a try in the corner of a field, there's a Centrebet post that they are knocking over," she said.

In spite of this, poker machines still account for the highest proportion of spending in all states, with the exception of Western Australia and the Northern Territory.

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