Online casinos are becoming increasingly popular in Australia

Online casinos have always been very popular. This is also proven by the measures that are set by various countries to prevent games from unlicensed providers. At the same time online casinos are legalized in order to continue playing online. So the news from Australia is hardly surprising that online gaming is becoming more and more popular here too.

Online games of chance are used twice as often as in the past

The latest report shows that best online casinos are being used twice as often in Australia as in 2010. However, it is not always just online games of chance such as roulette , baccarat or slot machines to thank. According to the latest study, 10.8 percent of all players use lotteries , 5.9 percent regularly bet on horse races. Other online sports bets were given at 5.8 percent.

The Second National Study of Interactive Gambling in Australia does not reveal what proportion remains for typical games of chance. However, everyone can calculate this themselves. To compensate for this lack of data, the study reveals why online gambling is more popular. The head of the study, Nerilee Hing, made a statement :

"The higher proportion of online games of chance was achieved through a faster internet connection, the very convenient use of the portals, extensive advertising and betting options and multiple bets."

The study also found that more than 50 percent of gamers use their smartphones . In addition, it was found that the majority of players are younger.

Irresponsible gaming is also increasing

Actually, it's no wonder: If significantly more people use online casinos, the proportion of irresponsible gamblers also increases. This generally increases the risk of gambling addiction and the creation of debts. But does the new study also provide explicit data in this context? Yes, data is also available for this:

9.1 percent of the players already have problems with gambling. These problems concern them personally. However, the study does not disclose how these issues play out. It was further explained that around 6 percent of all gamblers have acquaintances, friends or relatives who have problems with gambling. Here, too, it is not revealed how the problems manifest themselves. Basically, it can be said that the percentages don't seem particularly high. For those affected, however, it can have very negative effects. This makes it clear once again that a high level of player protection is very important and may need to be expanded further.

Player numbers on site are falling

Another result of the study will not please the local casinos: While more and more players in Australia are choosing an online casino, the number of local players is decreasing. In 2010, 64.3 percent of the Australian population participated in games of chance. At the time of the study, the number was only 56.9 percent . However, as online players increase, the number of on-site players automatically decreases. The reason for this was of course not determined.

The reason could be the frequent lockdowns on the one hand and the affair surrounding the Crown casinos on the other. There can of course also be other reasons that come from the online gambling providers. So, of course, they offer a wider range of bonuses and promotions. These are not only aimed at new customers, but also existing customers. Thanks to the bonuses, which also include free spins , your chances of winning increase while no money has to be wagered. Such bonuses are completely absent from most on-site casinos.

It is worrying, however, that there is a higher percentage of online casino players who complain about irresponsible gambling. To make this clear, the study published two figures: 3.9 percent of online gamers would have problems , while it is only 1.4 percent for local gamblers.

How safe are online casinos?

Anyone who reads the figures of the study could come to the conclusion that online casinos are less secure than on-site gaming facilities. However, this is not the case. Of course, many players cannot resist the charms of online casinos and play more because of the bonuses . This can lead to gambling addiction. However, the same can also occur in a local casino: If you lose here, you could try to make up for the loss by playing more games.

In addition, online gaming providers offer various security options that a casino on site does not offer: Each customer could set their own betting limit or even loss limit . Furthermore, every player has the chance to block himself or, as a gentler measure, to pause for a certain period of time. This is also not available at a local casino. It would also be difficult to check if an entering customer is locked out or about to pause. From this point of view, online casinos are no less secure than local casinos.