How COVID Changed Gambling Habits in Australia

The COVID-19 pandemic was a watershed moment for the Australian gambling industry. While lockdowns silenced the familiar chime of poker machines in pubs and clubs, they simultaneously accelerated a digital revolution that has permanently reshaped the nation’s betting landscape.

As of late 2025, the “new normal” for Australian gambling is defined by a massive shift toward online platforms, a surge in sports and race betting, and a heightened focus on digital harm-reduction measures.

The Great Migration: From Venues to Screens

Before the pandemic, land-based gambling—particularly “the pokies”—dominated the Australian market. When lockdowns were enforced in early 2020, access to these physical venues vanished overnight. This created a “Great Migration” to digital platforms.

1. The Rise of Online Wagering

According to recent data from the Australian National University (ANU), online gambling participation has increased exponentially. In 2025, more than 56% of active gamblers primarily use online channels, compared to just a fraction of that figure a decade ago. What was once an alternative for tech-savvy bettors has become the primary mode of engagement for the majority.

2. Demographic Shifts

The pandemic lowered the entry barrier for younger demographics. Recent reports show that men aged 18–34 saw the most significant increase in gambling frequency during and after the pandemic. For this group, betting is no longer a social outing to a club; it is a mobile-first experience integrated into their daily digital lives.

Market Resilience and Changing Expenditure

While total gambling expenditure initially dipped during the height of the 2020 restrictions (falling from $29.5 billion to $24.1 billion), the recovery has been aggressive. By the 2022–23 financial year, expenditure surged to a record $31.5 billion.

The Wagering Boom

The most notable growth has been in wagering (sports and racing). Losses in this sector reached $8.8 billion in 2021–22, nearly doubling pre-pandemic levels. Even as life returned to normal, the habit of betting on sports from a smartphone remained.

The “New Normal” of Gambling Harm

The convenience of 24/7 access has brought new challenges. Research indicates that while overall participation in gambling slightly declined post-pandemic, the intensity of gambling among those who do participate has increased.

• Risky Gambling Levels: The proportion of “risky” gamblers increased from 13.7% in 2024 to 19.4% in 2025.
• Psychological Drivers: Lockdowns introduced stressors like loneliness and financial uncertainty. For many, gambling shifted from entertainment to a coping mechanism—a habit that has proven difficult to break even years later.

Regulatory Response: The Government Steps In

In response to these shifting habits, the Australian government has introduced several landmark reforms aimed at the digital space.

1. BetStop: The National Self-Exclusion Register

Launched in 2023, BetStop allows Australians to ban themselves from all licensed online and phone wagering services with a single click. By 2025, over 35,000 individuals have utilized this tool, though awareness remains a hurdle.

2. The Advertising Ban Debate

The pandemic-era surge in sports betting was accompanied by a “tsunami” of gambling advertisements. Public sentiment has shifted heavily, with over 75% of Australians now supporting a phased ban on gambling ads, particularly during sports broadcasts where children are watching.

Frequently Asked Questions

2. Frequently Asked Questions

1. Did Australians gamble more or less during the COVID-19 lockdowns?

Initially, overall gambling frequency decreased because pubs and clubs were closed. However, online gambling expenditure rose significantly during this time as regular gamblers moved to digital platforms.

2. What is the most popular form of gambling in Australia today?

Lotteries remain the most common activity by participation, but sports betting and race wagering have seen the fastest growth in the post-pandemic era.

3. Has the shift to online gambling become permanent?

Yes. Data from 2025 shows that online gambling participation has plateaued at elevated levels, indicating that the digital habits formed during the pandemic are now the “new normal.”

4. Which age group was most affected by the change in habits?

Younger adults, specifically men aged 18–34, showed the highest increase in online sports betting participation following the pandemic.

5. Are poker machines (pokies) still popular?

Yes, pokies still account for a massive portion of total gambling losses (over $15 billion annually), but their dominance is being challenged by the convenience of mobile sports betting.

6. What is BetStop?

BetStop is Australia’s National Self-Exclusion Register. It allows you to register once to be excluded from all legal online and phone betting providers in the country.

7. How much do Australians lose to gambling annually?

As of the most recent 2025 reports, total annual losses in Australia are estimated to exceed $30 billion, making it one of the highest per-capita gambling markets in the world.

8. Did the pandemic lead to more “problem gambling”?

Research suggests that while fewer people gambled overall, those who did gamble were more likely to engage in “at-risk” or “high-risk” behaviors due to increased isolation and digital access.

9. Are there new laws for gambling ads in Australia?

There is significant movement toward a comprehensive ban on online gambling advertising, with the government implementing stricter rules on inducements and ads during live sports.

10. Can I still gamble in person in Australia?

Yes, all land-based venues like casinos, pubs, and clubs have been fully operational since the end of lockdowns, though many now incorporate more digital player-tracking systems.