Poker machine spending down to $10.2 billion as participation continues to decline

Australians' annual spend on poker machines has declined to $10.2 billion for the year to September 2012, down from $11.2 billion in September 2011.

According to the latest Roy Morgan Gambling Monitor, in the twelve months to September 2012, Australians spent a total of $16.9 billion on gambling, down from $18.5 billion in September 2011 and $19.1 billion in September 2003.

Within the $16.9 milion total is the largest form of gambling, representing 60% of the market, with betting on racing ranks second, followed by lotteries/scratch tickets, sports betting, casino table games, and Keno at a club, pub or a casino.

Explaining the trend, Roy Morgan Research International Director of Tourism, Travel & Leisure, Jane Ianniello states "Australians' total annual expenditure on poker machines fell in the year to September 2012, despite a temporary increase in the June 2012 quarter when the federal government initiated tax cuts and carbon tax compensation handouts.

"The fall in total expenditure on poker machines can be mainly attributed to a decline in the number of Australians playing the pokies, from 4.6 million in the year to September 2011, down to 4.4 million in the year to September 2012.

"The number of Australians playing the pokies has been declining gradually over the past decade from 5.5 million in December 2002. Most forms of gambling have become less popular over the past decade. However, online gambling options are growing in popularity, including sports betting, online casino table games, and online poker machines."

Meanwhile the the Lower House of the Australian Parliament has passed the Federal Government's poker machine pre-commitment bill with last-minute amendments.

The proposed laws allow gaming machine users to voluntarily set a limit on how much they spend.

The Federal Government agreed to mandatory pre-commitment during negotiations after the last election, but has since softened its approach.

Independent MP Tony Windsor successfully moved amendments to delay the deadline to install the pre-commitment technology by two years.

Greens MP Adam Bandt said he would reluctantly support the bill, meaning it was likely to have Greens support in the Senate.

For more information on the Roy Morgan Gambling Monitor go to www.roymorgan.com

24th March 2011 - CLUBS TO BATTLE POKER MACHINE CLAMPDOWN