Why Pokies Remain Australia’s Favorite Leisure Activity
Pokies, or poker machines, as they are called, are a favourite leisure activity in Australia because of their simplicity, but this isn’t the only reason. The games are relatively easy to play and perfect for both newbies and experts. In this guide, we’ll get into the reasons why pokies stand out as a favourite activity for Aussies and what the future holds for these games.
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Why Pokies are So Popular
Pokie machines are found in every part of Australia, from clubs to pubs and even casinos. Their popularity is deeply rooted in Australia’s gambling culture. Before Microgaming casinos Australia became mainstream, the pokie machines reigned supreme.
Australia has more than 200,000 pokie machines spread out in various public spaces. Some regions even offer special gaming rooms to make it more comfortable for players. Machines can be played at clubs or bars where people go to drink and socialise.
Another reason why pokies are so popular is the gambling culture in Australia. Naturally, Aussies are risk takers and it shows in their business acumen. There’s an old saying that Aussies will bet on everything including two spiders climbing a wall. It could be linked to the citizens intense spirit of competition. For them, pokies are important leisure activities to share with friends.
According to research, playing pokies is an isolated activity, with 52% of people playing alone. The research also found that 1 in 5 played with a partner or colleague, while 1 in 10 played with a brother or sister. Women were more likely to play in groups, while men tended to play alone.
Pokies Contribute to the Economy
Besides the cultural ties to gambling, pokies, like other gambling games, also contribute to the country’s economic growth. From 2022 to 2023, the total online gambling turnover was approximately AU$244.3bn. Note that this doesn’t include other popular forms of betting, such as horse racing and sports betting.
According to statistics, gambling generates more than $7 billion per year through taxes. In 2020, this figure was $2 billion less. However, the revenue is used to provide important infrastructure for citizens. The government is putting measures in place to curb the potential gambling addiction in the country.
Why is Its Popularity is Rising Despite Strict Measures?
Gambling regulation in Australia is one of the strictest in the world. State and federal governments regulate gambling in different capacities, making it a highly regulated region for online gaming. The state government often regulates land-based casinos, while the federal government regulates online gambling and betting.
In regions like New South Wales, people who engage in unlawful gambling operations can be punished with up to seven years in prison or an AU$110,000 fine. Offshore gambling is illegal, and online lottery and keno betting are prohibited. The government also has a self-exclusion register that allows players to ban themselves from gambling-related activities, including online gaming and betting. Credit cards and digital currencies are also prohibited as payment methods for gambling.
All of these measures are put in place to protect people who are prone to gambling, but they have not stopped the popularity of pokies. With technology improving the playing experience and developments in digital marketing increasing the visibility of online games like Pokies, their popularity will likely increase in the coming years.
One major reason for their continued popularity is their accessibility online, with fresh themes and high-quality graphics. Players can choose from a wide range of movies, sports, fruit, adventure, oriental or mythical-themed pokies. Each one is designed with rich symbols and graphics to transport players to a fantasy world. The games work on mobile device browsers without requiring extra software. With mobile device usage soaring, it’s no surprise that it has helped increase the popularity of pokies in Australia.
Also, for pokies, specifically, the bet range is wide so both new and players with a large bankroll can play for extended periods compared to table games. Some games are getting more interactive, allowing players to enjoy social interactions with others.
Pokies hold a special place in Australian culture, deeply rooted in the nation’s long-standing gambling traditions. Despite the government’s efforts to curb the gambling problem, the residents still love to play their favorite games, and this trend is expected to continue well into the future.
