Australia remains one of the world’s most active gambling markets. From sports betting and racing to lotteries and casinos, wagering is deeply embedded in Australian culture. In 2025, the gambling industry continued to evolve, shaped by digital adoption, regulatory tightening, and changing consumer behaviour.
This industry overview breaks down the key Australian gambling statistics for 2025, highlighting market size, participation trends, popular betting segments, and what the numbers mean for punters heading into 2026.
Size of the Australian Gambling Industry
In 2025, the Australian gambling industry generated tens of billions of dollars in total turnover, maintaining its position as one of the highest per-capita gambling markets globally.
Key industry characteristics:
- Strong dominance of wagering and sports betting growth
- Continued reliance on lotteries and racing for stable revenue
- Online betting now the primary channel for sports wagering
- Retail gambling declining gradually outside racing and lotteries
Despite increased regulation, overall gambling participation remained high.
Gambling Participation in Australia
Adult Participation Rates
A significant percentage of Australian adults participated in some form of gambling in 2025, including:
- Sports betting
- Horse and greyhound racing
- Lottery products
- Casino table games and pokies
Sports betting participation continued to rise, particularly among:
- Adults aged 25–44
- Mobile-first users
- Multi-sport bettors
Breakdown by Gambling Type
Sports Betting
Sports betting was one of the fastest-growing segments in 2025.
Key trends:
- AFL, NRL, and horse racing dominated betting turnover
- Soccer, tennis, and basketball continued strong growth
- Same-game multis remained popular despite higher margins
- In-play betting accounted for an increasing share of total wagers
Racing (Thoroughbred, Harness, Greyhound)
Racing remained a cornerstone of the Australian gambling industry.
Highlights:
- Strong weekend turnover
- Continued importance of major carnivals
- High engagement from traditional TAB customers
- Stable but slowly declining retail presence
Lotteries
Lotteries continued to provide the most stable and least volatile gambling revenue.
Key points:
- Extremely high participation rates
- Strong appeal across all age groups
- Online lottery sales continued to grow
Casinos and Pokies
Pokies and casino gaming still represented a significant portion of gambling losses, although regulatory pressure continued to intensify.
Online vs Retail Gambling
Online Gambling Growth
By 2025:
- The majority of sports betting turnover occurred online
- Mobile betting apps accounted for most wagers
- Live betting usage increased year-on-year
Retail Gambling Trends
- Retail betting shops saw gradual decline
- Racing venues remained an exception
- Pokies in clubs and pubs remained widespread but increasingly regulated
Advertising and Marketing Trends
Gambling advertising remained a major regulatory focus in 2025.
Key observations:
- Tighter advertising restrictions during live sport
- Reduced visibility of inducement-based promotions
- Greater emphasis on “odds comparison” and branding campaigns
- Increased regulatory scrutiny on social media influencers
Responsible Gambling and Harm Reduction Statistics
Responsible gambling remained a national priority.
Notable trends:
- Increased use of deposit limits and self-exclusion tools
- Higher awareness of Gambler’s Help services
- Growing focus on early intervention and education
- More data-driven harm minimisation strategies
While most Australians gamble recreationally, a small percentage of players continued to account for a disproportionate share of gambling harm — a key driver of ongoing reforms.
What the 2025 Statistics Mean for Punters
For Australian bettors, the 2025 data highlights several realities:
- Betting markets are more competitive and data-driven
- Regulatory oversight is increasing, not decreasing
- Digital betting is now the standard, not the exception
- Responsible gambling tools are becoming central, not optional
Understanding industry trends helps punters make informed choices about where and how they bet.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Based on 2025 trends, the Australian gambling industry in 2026 is expected to see:
- Further tightening of advertising rules
- Continued growth in mobile and in-play betting
- Greater emphasis on transparency and consumer protection
- Increased use of technology, analytics, and AI in betting platforms
Final Thoughts
The Australian gambling industry in 2025 remained large, highly regulated, and increasingly digital. For punters, these statistics reinforce the importance of betting with licensed operators, understanding market mechanics, and gambling responsibly.
For comparisons of licensed Australian bookmakers, market insights, and responsible betting guidance, visit Top Betting Australia — your trusted resource for navigating the Australian gambling landscape.