Australian / New Zealand Industry Overview
The Australian and New Zealand gambling markets represent two dynamic yet contrasting landscapes within the broader Australasian gaming industry. Australia’s gambling sector is one of the largest in the world by expenditure and participation, driven by high engagement in wagering, pokies, and sports betting. In the 2022-23 period, Australians wagered approximately AUD 244.3 billion across all forms of gambling, highlighting the scale and cultural prominence of gambling activities in the country.
Regulation in Australia is shaped by both federal and state laws, with the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 restricting the provision and advertising of online casino games and poker to residents, while licensed operators can legally offer services such as online sports betting and lotteries.
In contrast, New Zealand’s gambling market, though smaller in absolute size, features a highly engaged player base and strong regulatory controls. Domestic online casinos are largely prohibited under the Gambling Act 2003, and only sanctioned entities like Lotto NZ and TAB NZ can operate online gambling services. As a result, many Kiwi players access offshore online casinos, which operate outside local licensing regimes.
Despite regulatory differences, both countries contribute significantly to economic activity through taxation, employment, and consumer spending. Australia’s gambling industry supports thousands of jobs and provides substantial revenue for state governments. New Zealand’s sector, with its emphasis on intact harm-minimisation frameworks and future licensing reforms, is poised for further evolution, including potential formal regulation of online casino operations.
Click on the jurisdiction of interest to take a quick look at some key facts and data about the gambling environment, expenditure, taxation, contribution and harm minimisation measures in place
Key facts and data
In the 2022-23 period, Australians wagered approximatelyAUD 244.3 billionon gambling—an 18.2% increase on the previous year.
The online gambling market in Australia was estimated at USD 5,682.16 million in 2024, with a projected CAGR of ~7.9% through to 2034.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, low-risk gambling behaviours among adults rose from 3.7% in 2018 to 4.9% in 2022, and moderate-risk from 2.5% to 3.1%
Regulation & taxation
Gambling regulation in Australia is largely state and territory-based, with different rules for casinos, gaming machines (“pokies”), betting and online gambling.
Winnings by individuals arenot taxedas personal income; instead, governments tax operators via turnover, net profit, or player loss depending on jurisdiction.
Industry contribution & harm-minimisation
The industry contributes significantly to state revenue and employment, though exact figures vary by state.
Harm-minimisation initiatives include self-exclusion registers, mandatory identity checks for online gambling, and regulatory reviews of advertising practices.
Online Casinos in the Australian & New Zealand Market
Online casinos play an increasingly prominent role in the broader Australasian gambling ecosystem, even where direct regulation remains limited. In Australia, online casinos and poker sites are generally unavailable under domestic law; the Interactive Gambling Act prohibits operators from offering real-money online casino games to Australian residents, though players can access offshore platforms not licensed locally.
By contrast, New Zealand’s framework under the Gambling Act 2003 also restricts domestic online casino licensing, yet allows individuals to participate on international sites without direct legal penalties. Many New Zealand players choose to engage with offshore online casinos that offer slots, table games, and live dealer content, despite the lack of local oversight.
The growth of online casinos is driven by digital innovation, mobile access, and global platform development. Players benefit from a wide range of game choices, secure payment solutions, and interactive features. However, the regulatory environments in both countries emphasise responsible gambling safeguards — including self-exclusion tools, age verification, and adherence to fair play standards — to protect vulnerable individuals and maintain market integrity.