In Australia, online gambling has developed quite suddenly, as the interest of nations in casino online Australia free has arisen relatively recently and now Australians are the most gamblers in the world. This is indirectly indicated by the sum of money spent by Australians. On average, each australian player spends $ 1,300 per a year on gambling. Nearly 7 million Australians - about 39% of Australia's adult population - regularly spend money on one type of gambling monthly. The average age of an active player is 39 years. As a rule, these are men with an annual income in the region of $ 100 thousand. All this makes the region attractive for online business.
Australia accounts for only 0.3% of the world's population. At the same time, the country hosts 6% of the world volume of standard slot machines and 18% of poker machines. In terms of the number of slot machines per person, Australia is on a par with the casino countries: Monaco, Macau and the Caribbean.
Tightening the nuts
Since the beginning of the second decade of the current millennium, the Australian gambling market has grown at a rapid pace. So, if in 2012 gambling companies spent $ 45 million on promoting their goods and services, then after a couple of years this number increased to $ 147 million (data from Nielsen AdEx). In terms of advertising costs, gambling has overtaken even cellular operators.
But, since 2015, gambling regulators began to impose strict restrictions, which made the work of bookmaker companies more difficult. Live betting was the first to be banned. According to the regulator, the use of this type of rates leaves a lot of room for tax evasion. And budget revenues from taxation of the gambling business have been and remain a significant part of the country's income.
Regardless, in 2017 the Australian Senate passed a bill to completely ban iGaming. It was assumed that companies would gain access to the local market only after obtaining a local license. But the necessary regulatory framework did not yet exist at the time of the adoption of the bill. As a result, a number of major operators including PokerStars, 888poker, 32red and Gaming Innovation have decided to leave Australia.
How to get an online casino license in Australia
The authorities have a large number of requirements for those wishing to obtain a local license. From cooperation with local law enforcement agencies and maximum security of financial transactions to employee accreditation.
Licensed casinos pay turnover tax and income tax. In addition, there are regular royalties. Terms may vary from state to state.
Obtaining a local license outside the country is extremely difficult. Better to enlist the support of a local intermediary company. But this is not a guarantee of obtaining a license.
Fight against gambling addiction
In Australia, conditions for players are also regularly tightened. Starting in 2017, anyone wishing to play a slot machine in a pub or bar must first confirm their identity. Plus read the recommendations on the negative impact of gambling.
In December 2019, a separate law was adopted to combat gambling addiction. Under this initiative, the country will establish a National Self-Exclusion Register for individuals at risk of problem gambling behavior. In addition, the Australian Banking Association announced that it plans to restrict the use of local bank credit cards to fund deposits on casino sites.
Market outlook
Despite these stringent restrictions, the illegal mobile and online gambling market in Australia continues to grow at an exponential pace. According to experts, from 2013 to 2019, it quadrupled and reached a volume of $ 1.4 billion. And this is completely illegal traffic. From which the state budget loses at least $ 300 million annually. Most of these illegal bets go to offshore bookmakers and online casinos.
The legal turnover of local operators in 2020, according to various estimates, will exceed $ 6 billion. However, some regions are already declaring war on slot machines, so the share of legal gambling in Australia may decrease in the near future. While the shadow sector will continue to grow.
Outcomes
Australia is an attractive market for online gambling. The local players with high income are actively using the web and mobile applications with Australian online casinos no deposit bonuses. But it is possible to work in this market only legally, being aware of the possible consequences.