The year 2024 brought Australia's gambling industry its fair share of ups and downs. From regulatory hurdles and high-profile scandals to efforts at adaptation in a rapidly evolving landscape, it highlighted both progress and persistent challenges. This article will explore some of the biggest Australian gambling industry stories covered by trubluecasinos.org in 2024.
Gambling Statistics Australia 2024
In 2024, one gambling statistic stood out: Australia retained its title as the gambling capital of the world, supported by significant data. Australians led globally in per capita gambling losses, averaging $1,635 per adult, with total legal gambling losses reaching an estimated $25 billion for the year.
In September, the Grattan Institute published a report highlighting Australia's status as the global leader in gambling losses. The report provided detailed insights into the scale of Australia’s gambling gambling problem and prompted calls to rethink the country’s gambling regulations urgently.
Regulatory Reform: Promises and Delays
Regulatory reform for Australia gambling laws was one of the most talked-about topics in 2024. The credit card ban for online gambling, which we reported on in July, was a significant milestone. This long-awaited measure was a win for advocates of responsible gambling, aligning online gambling regulations with those for physical venues.
However, other reforms didn’t fare as well. Proposed restrictions on gambling ads during live sports broadcasts were pushed back to 2025, frustrating many who wanted stronger protections for children and other vulnerable groups. Plans for cashless pokies also hit hurdles. While trials in New South Wales and Tasmania showed promise, Tasmania delayed its mandatory cashless card initiative in September, citing practical and political challenges.
Efforts to tackle advertising concerns and age verification loopholes continued, but progress was slower than many had hoped. Advocacy groups have called for a stronger push on these issues in the coming year.
Scandals and Compliance Failures
The Australian gambling industry in 2024 was rife with scandals and compliance failures, exposing significant accountability challenges across major operators. From fines for lapses in responsible gambling measures to severe anti-money laundering breaches, the year underscored systemic issues that continue to plague the industry.
Crown Melbourne faced scrutiny in October when it was fined $2 million for allowing 242 self-excluded players to gamble at its venue. This highlighted serious shortcomings in enforcing responsible gambling protocols and drew widespread criticism from advocacy groups.
Star Entertainment Group endured a turbulent year in 2024, receiving a $10 million fine in October for ongoing compliance failures at its Sydney casino. On top of regulatory penalties, the company faced financial troubles, leading to asset sales and cost-cutting measures as it struggled to stabilize its operations.
In October, the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) fined the Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group (ALH) $177,500 for 24 breaches related to underage gambling and poor oversight of electronic betting terminals. The charges highlighted significant shortcomings in ensuring compliance and protecting minors from exposure to gambling.
Advertising Concerns and Player Protections
Advertising and player protections remained highly contentious issues in 2024, with several incidents exposing gaps in the current system. In December, a Snapchat filter linked to Sportsbet unintentionally exposed children to gambling promotions, sparking public outrage and calls for stricter ad-targeting policies.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) continued its campaign against unregulated offshore gambling websites, blacklisting six more in December. Since the initiative began in 2019, over 1,117 sites have been blocked, and more than 220 operators have voluntarily exited the Australian market.
However, critics argue these measures are not enough. Loopholes in self-exclusion systems and age verification protocols still allow at-risk players to access gambling platforms. In September, BetStop, Australia's self-exclusion register, faced heavy criticism after a Sydney man bypassed the system and lost nearly $70,000 despite signing up for a lifetime ban. The incident underscored the urgent need for more robust safeguards to protect vulnerable players.
Advocacy groups have renewed their calls for comprehensive reforms, emphasizing the importance of closing these loopholes and enhancing systems to better protect vulnerable players, particularly children and those battling addiction. The events of 2024 served as a stark reminder of the challenges that remain in creating a safer gambling environment.
Tabcorp Faced a Year of Upheaval in 2024
As Australia’s leading gambling operator, Tabcorp Holdings faced a tumultuous 2024 marked by leadership changes, financial difficulties, and controversy. CEO Adam Rytenskild's resignation in March following allegations of inappropriate workplace behavior and Chairman Bruce Akhurst’s departure in September highlighted instability at the company’s highest levels. Declining revenues and a significant net loss in the first half of the financial year added to the challenges, prompting cost-cutting measures, including a 10% workforce reduction announced in December.
In April, Tabcorp was criticized for broadcasting over 70 gambling advertisements on free-to-air television before the 8:30 p.m. watershed, sparking public criticism of its advertising practices. Amid these difficulties, Gillon McLachlan took over as CEO in September with a mandate to stabilize operations and steer the company toward recovery. As the industry evolves, Tabcorp will need to balance rebuilding trust with stakeholders while remaining competitive in a rapidly shifting market.
Cryptocurrency and Australian Gambling Online
In December, Bitcoin passed $100,000, a significant milestone, and its impact on online gaming is clear. Nearly 40% of Australian players under 35 now prefer using digital currencies like Bitcoin for gambling, thanks to their fast transactions and added privacy.
However, this rising trend has also raised concerns. In the same month, it was reported that Australia proposed stricter regulations for the cryptocurrency sector to address issues such as financial crimes. These proposed changes aim to enhance oversight and could significantly impact digital currencies used in online gaming and other industries in the coming years.
Industry Trends and Adaptation
Despite its challenges, the gambling industry showed resilience and adaptability throughout the year. Online casinos continued to thrive, focusing on mobile optimization and live dealer games to attract tech-savvy players. Meanwhile, traditional venues like pubs and clubs held their ground. In November, Queensland’s pubs and clubs reported an 11.6% increase in gross gaming revenue, driven by modernization, strategic promotions, and community-focused initiatives.
Looking Ahead to 2025
The events of 2024 showcased both the resilience and the vulnerabilities of Australia’s gambling industry. While the credit card ban was a step forward, delays in critical reforms and high-profile compliance failures highlighted the need for more decisive action.
In 2025, all eyes will be on the industry’s ability to deliver overdue reforms, improve player protections, and balance growth and responsibility. With innovation continuing to shape the gambling landscape, there’s hope for a more ethical and sustainable future for the sector.
