Gambling is popular in the UK and Australia, with millions of fans. Many Britons and Australians enjoy playing various casino games, such as poker, roulette, blackjack, and slots in online and brick-and-mortar casinos.
As a matter of fact, the United Kingdom and Australia are among the world’s top gambling countries. An estimate of about 80% of the adult population in Australia engages in gambling. Also, over 45% of the UK’s adult population gambles every month.
So, they are some of the biggest revenue contributors to the industry, promoting its rapid growth. However, despite the similarities, the gambling industries of both countries have several differences. Dive in, and we take you through them below.
Status of the UK and AUS Gambling Industries
UK
The UK gambling industry is among the fastest-growing markets in the country. This is due to several factors, such as the emergence of many online platforms that have made the activity more accessible. Besides that, statistics from the UK Gambling Commission show that the casino industry dominates the market.
In fact, the gross yield from the UK’s remote gambling industry in 2023 was £6.5 billion. However, £4.0 billion was from online casino games. Also, new account registrations on various gambling platforms rose by 10.6%. Unfortunately, the non-remote gambling market yielded only £2.5 billion. It is continuing to decline as most people are moving to online platforms.
Australia
Australia’s gambling market is growing fast and managed to reach $4.9 billion in 2023. Not only that, but it is also expected to continue to grow to $8.5 billion by 2032. This shows a compound annual growth rate of 6.2% in the 2024 to 2032 period. Undoubtedly, high internet speed and the emergence of several technological advancements have promoted the growth of Australia’s gambling sector. They include cloud gaming, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence.
Some of the top regions that make up the biggest market share in the industry include:
- Australia Capital Territory
- New South Wales
- Queensland
- Northern Territory
- Southern Australia
- Western Australia
The Main Differences Between the UK and AUS Gambling Industries
Here’s all you need to know about the differences between the UK and AUS gambling industries.
1. Online Gambling Regulations
In the United Kingdom, online gambling is legal, and you can join various platforms allowed to operate in the country. However, the operators have strict measures to ensure the safety of players. Some key focus points are anti-underage gambling and fraud prevention.
On the other hand, Australia has tight regulations on online gambling. Playing poker and other casino games online is illegal in the country because the Interactive Gambling Act of 2001 forbids it. Only online sports betting is legal, but players can enjoy casino games on offshore gambling platforms. You can play on the best mobile casinos in Australia on your smartphone or tablet. They are compatible with various devices and have a wide variety of games and bonuses.
2. Licensing
Both countries have bodies that regulate gambling activities but with different regulatory frameworks. Gambling in the United Kingdom is regulated by only the UK Gambling Commission. The body issues operator licenses and regulates all online and land-based gambling activities in the country. It has a more centralized licensing approach and operates under the 2005 Gambling Act.
However, Australia’s licensing system is more decentralized. Some of its states and territories have the authority to issue gambling licenses at their discretion. So, Australian states have different regulatory bodies and varying regulations. For example, gambling in New South Wales is regulated by Liquor and Gaming NSW, in Tasmania by the Department of Treasury and Finance, and in Victoria by the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation.
3. Legal Gambling Options
The UK has many legal gambling options under the UK Gambling Commission, including:
- Slots and table games in online and land-based casinos
- Traditional and online Poker
- Online and land-based bingo
- Land-based and online sports betting
- National and private lottery
Australia also has a wide variety of legal gambling options, including slot machines, Poker, online and land-based sports betting, and lotteries. But unlike those in the UK that are regulated by the same body, each Australian gambling activity is under the regulations of a particular state. So, first understand the laws of your state before engaging in any gambling.
4. Responsible Gambling and Player Protection Policies
The United Kingdom protects its people by providing a national gambling helpline operated by GamCare. It offers confidential support, advice, and information on problem gambling. You get 24/7 support every day on the phone or via live chat. Also, the country has other organizations for player support, such as:
- National Problem Gambling Clinic
- Money Helper
- Debt Advice Foundation
- Debt Support Trust
- National Debt Line
On the contrary, just like Australia doesn’t have a single regulatory body, it has different responsible gambling organizations in various states. Each state ensures that it protects its people against problem gambling. A few include:
- The Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation
- GambleAware
- Gambling and Racing Commission
- Gambling Help Queensland
- Problem Gambling South Australia
The Future of The UK and AUS Gambling Industries
The gambling industries of both countries are growing at a steady rate. So, the future for the industry is bright in the United Kingdom and Australia as more people embrace online gambling. The selection of games is increasing, and the casinos are getting better and easier to access.