The Australian fondness for a wager is the stuff of legends. But like so many popular clichés, it is based in demonstrable fact. Eight in 10 Australian adults gamble, at least occasionally, and the average spend per capita on gambling in $1,200. Both these figures are significantly higher than any other country.
Australian gambling is undergoing a fundamental shift, and it is one that was provoked by the difficult times of 2020 and 21. Australia’s were among the strictest restrictions in the world, with all 1,800 of the nation’s casinos closed for an extended period. Little surprise, then, that 2021 saw a 50 percent increase in the number of Australians gambling online at the dozens of offshore casinos that target the market.
What is interesting is that even though Australia is fully open for business again and despite the fact that Australian authorities take a dim view of online casinos and have issued blocking orders for more than 350 of them, their popularity continues to grow. It is thanks in no small part to the following technological innovations.
Mobile first
Gambling on the go might not have been the top priority when everyone was stuck at home in 2020, but it makes the online casino extra appealing for Australian gamblers in normal times. Australians tend to lead an outdoor-oriented lifestyle and smartphone penetration now stands at almost 90 percent of the adult population. Today’s gambling apps are made with mobile users in mind, with game layouts and user interfaces designed accordingly.
Live games
Although slot games, or pokies as they are known in Australia, are the most popular casino games, there is also a strong market for table games like blackjack, roulette and most recently, sic bo. Live games that are streamed from a studio and feature a real dealer with whom players can interact via a chat box make for a more authentic experience. Gamble Online Australia provides casino reviews for Australian users with more information on the live games that are available and the casino platforms that offer them.
Cryptocurrency
Bitcoin casinos bring a number of benefits for gamblers, and have proved to be especially common in Australia. Local regulatory issues can create difficulties for users who want to transfer funds directly from an Australian bank to an offshore gambling account. Crypto provides an elegant way around the problem. It is also highly secure and offers practically instant transactions with high levels of anonymity.
Cloud benefits
We have all felt the benefits and freedoms that cloud storage can bring in both personal and business life. Online casinos have also used the cloud to effectively enhance user experience. The ability to store practically limitless data about everything from games to user habits allows them to identify trends and preferences faster. Also, many have started to run the games themselves through the cloud. It reduces costs, allowing the casino to pass savings on to customers, and means games are better, faster and more enjoyable.
