How many Australian gamblers play in offshore casinos
1. Introduction
Despite the strict restrictions in Australia on online gambling, a significant proportion of players continue to use the services of offshore casinos. This market segment is difficult to accurately assess due to the lack of official registration of such operators in AU, but there are data from studies, surveys and regulatory reports that make it possible to understand the scale of the phenomenon.
2. Data sources
Reports from the Australian Institute of Family Research (AIFS) and the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).
ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority) data on blockages and complaints.
Marketing research of international analytical agencies (H2 Gambling Capital, IBISWorld).
Player surveys as part of responsible gambling initiatives.
3. Player count estimate
The ACMA estimates that between 7% and 12% of Australian adults play in offshore online casinos at least once a year.
This corresponds to about 1.4-2.4 million people (out of the total adult audience ~ 20 million).
Constantly active players - about 3-5% of the adult population.
4. Dynamics in recent years
Growth since 2017 after the entry into force of the updated Interactive Gambling Act, which limited local licenses and banned many types of online games.
Peak in 2020-2021. against the backdrop of the pandemic and the closure of ground clubs.
Since 2022 - a moderate decrease in activity due to blocking ACMA sites, but the audience remains significant.
5. Reasons for choosing offshore casinos
Access to games prohibited in AU (online slots with a jackpot, live casino, roulette).
Bigger bonuses and no strict limits.
Ability to use cryptocurrencies and international payment systems.
Fewer identity verification procedures.
6. Player profile
Age: Most often 25-44 years old.
Gender: Men play about 1.5 to 2 times more often than women.
Income level: middle and upper middle; high rollers often choose offshore operators due to high limits.
7. Risks for players
Lack of Australian legal protection in case of dispute.
Possible difficulties with payments and blocking of funds.
Less control over the integrity of games.
8. Conclusion
According to the most conservative estimates, several million Australians at least occasionally play in offshore online casinos. Despite ACMA measures and legal restrictions, the offshore segment remains in demand, mainly due to access to games and conditions that AU licensed operators do not have. However, high popularity is accompanied by increased risks, which requires caution when choosing a platform.
Despite the strict restrictions in Australia on online gambling, a significant proportion of players continue to use the services of offshore casinos. This market segment is difficult to accurately assess due to the lack of official registration of such operators in AU, but there are data from studies, surveys and regulatory reports that make it possible to understand the scale of the phenomenon.
2. Data sources
Reports from the Australian Institute of Family Research (AIFS) and the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).
ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority) data on blockages and complaints.
Marketing research of international analytical agencies (H2 Gambling Capital, IBISWorld).
Player surveys as part of responsible gambling initiatives.
3. Player count estimate
The ACMA estimates that between 7% and 12% of Australian adults play in offshore online casinos at least once a year.
This corresponds to about 1.4-2.4 million people (out of the total adult audience ~ 20 million).
Constantly active players - about 3-5% of the adult population.
4. Dynamics in recent years
Growth since 2017 after the entry into force of the updated Interactive Gambling Act, which limited local licenses and banned many types of online games.
Peak in 2020-2021. against the backdrop of the pandemic and the closure of ground clubs.
Since 2022 - a moderate decrease in activity due to blocking ACMA sites, but the audience remains significant.
5. Reasons for choosing offshore casinos
Access to games prohibited in AU (online slots with a jackpot, live casino, roulette).
Bigger bonuses and no strict limits.
Ability to use cryptocurrencies and international payment systems.
Fewer identity verification procedures.
6. Player profile
Age: Most often 25-44 years old.
Gender: Men play about 1.5 to 2 times more often than women.
Income level: middle and upper middle; high rollers often choose offshore operators due to high limits.
7. Risks for players
Lack of Australian legal protection in case of dispute.
Possible difficulties with payments and blocking of funds.
Less control over the integrity of games.
8. Conclusion
According to the most conservative estimates, several million Australians at least occasionally play in offshore online casinos. Despite ACMA measures and legal restrictions, the offshore segment remains in demand, mainly due to access to games and conditions that AU licensed operators do not have. However, high popularity is accompanied by increased risks, which requires caution when choosing a platform.
