The tech turbocharging Australia's world-topping gambling habit
As federal legislators chew over firmer restrictions for online gambling companies, AI, machine-learning and social media gamification are helping industry giants and startups reach new and younger bettors.
It’s a long-held — and infamous — fact that Australians lose more money gambling than anywhere else in the world. Now we’re betting the most online too.
While a recent wave of state-based reforms in NSW, Victoria and Tasmania has taken aim at problem gambling in the industry’s traditional realms of pubs, clubs and casinos, the virtual saloons of online gambling are heaving with punters.
Using an armoury of new technology, Australia’s online betting startups are harnessing artificial intelligence, machine-learning and social media gamification to out-manoeuvre the competition and reach younger demographics to maximise their share of the lucrative $8.6 billion market. But in the process, advocates against gambling harm are questioning the aggressive tactics and urging stronger measures to curb problem gambling and an alarming rise in youth addiction.
Online gambling spend in Australia skyrocketed 72% through the pandemic: from $5.57 billion in 2019 to $9.56 billion in 2022. Australians now bet online 20% more than any other country, spending $332 per capita compared with $276 in the world’s second highest nation, Sweden.
