Gambling has been a part of the cultural fabric of both the United Kingdom and Australia for many years.
This deep-rooted history, combined with technological advancements, has led to robust and well-established gambling industries in both countries.
A huge number of people in both nations enjoy gambling. Around 80% of Australian adults gamble regularly, while more than 45% take part in some form of gambling activity in the UK.
While they share similarities, there are also big differences between the respective gambling industries in each jurisdiction.
These differences are determined by factors such as how each country regulates gambling, the cultural attitude towards it and the way each gambling market operates.
Historical Context & Market Growth
The UK and Australia share a common history when it comes to gambling. Both countries have a long-standing tradition of betting and gaming deeply ingrained in their respective cultures.
The UK’s gambling industry is one of the oldest in the world. Their laws have been in place for decades, adapting over time to keep up with new ways of gambling, including online platforms.
The establishment of the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) as the primary regulatory body tasked with overseeing all forms of gambling within the country was a major development.
Australia’s gambling history is also quite old, starting with horse racing and lotteries during colonial times. Gamblers can bet on numerous elements thanks to the rise of new betting apps in Australia.
However, unlike the UK, Australia’s gambling rules are set by each state or territory, reflecting the country’s federal system, where states have significant autonomy over their internal affairs.
Regulatory Framework & Legal Differences
When it comes to the regulatory framework, the UK operates with one rule for all regions, while the Australian system is more of a patchwork of rules and regulations across the country.
UK gamblers operate under a centralised system, where all gambling activities, whether online or land-based, are regulated by a single body – the UKGC.
This means that whether you’re playing slots or betting on a horse race online, the UKGC is watching. They make sure that everyone plays fair and that no one gets hurt, especially minors.
It is a bit more complicated in Australia, where each state has the authority to regulate gambling activities within its borders.
For instance, gambling in New South Wales (NSW) is governed by the Liquor and Gaming NSW. However, it falls under the jurisdiction of the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation in Victoria.
This can be confusing for people who run gambling businesses and for players who want to know what is and isn’t allowed.
Online Gambling & Technological Integration
Online gambling has had a meteoric rise in recent years, impacting the UK and Australian markets. However, the two nations have taken vastly different paths in regulating this booming industry.
The UKGC oversees all aspects of remote gambling in the UK, including online casinos and sports betting, ensuring that operators adhere to strict rules and regulations.
Australia’s approach to online gambling is more restrictive. While online sports betting is allowed, the Interactive Gambling Act (IGA) of 2001 prohibits online casinos from operating.
This means Australians seeking online casino games must turn to platforms licensed offshore which are not subject to Australian regulations.
While this offers a wider range of options, it also exposes players to potential risks, as these sites may not meet the same standards of fairness and consumer protection.
Market Size & Economic Impact
The gambling markets in the UK and Australia are significant contributors to their respective economies, but they differ in size and growth trajectories.
The UK gambling industry made a whopping £6.5 billion from online gambling alone in 2023. Most of the revenue came from online casino games, totalling £4bn.
This growth is partly driven by the UK’s access to the internet, combined with the widespread availability of online gambling platforms.
The UK is a major player in the online gambling sector, but Australia’s revenue figures from a similar time frame suggest they are not too far behind.
The Australian gambling industry generated $4.9bn last year. Experts believe this figure could reach $8.5bn by 2032.
One reason for Australia’s exponential market growth is the adoption of new technology. Key innovations such as cloud gaming, virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI) make gambling more exciting and attract new players.
Even though there are rules against online casinos in Australia, people still love poker, sports betting and lotteries. This has contributed significantly to the rapid growth of the gambling market.