The fact is that 70 percent of Australians participate in some online gambling activity. Of that percentage, 600,000 Australians play pokies at least once a week. However, the reasons why Austrians prefer to gamble on a particular platform are different. Some choose those operators that offer great bonuses for small deposits. Among such sites, the $10 Neosurf casino stands out.

Other factors influence a player to stick to a particular gambling site. Some of them are platform security, game types, mobile site compatibility, and more. Australians often register on fast payout online casino sites, on those that offer games with live dealers and have other significant features. In the following text, we will present all the significant preferences in the field of online casinos in this country. But first, we want to explain how gambling is regulated in Australia.

Australian legislation related to operators and players

Gambling revenues are estimated at millions of dollars. But not every country has allowed by law these activities on its territory. So, before we introduce you to certain preferences in the field of online casinos in Australia, you should know how gambling is regulated there. According to statistics, about 80% of Australian adults are involved in gambling activities. Accordingly, this country has the highest gambling rate in the world. The state has tried to curb the negative effects of participating in games of chance by setting strict laws. In the infographic below, we present risks for Australian gambling addiction.

The Interactive Gambling Act (IGA) is currently in force in Australia. According to the IGA, it is forbidden to advertise or offer gambling services with real money on online sites. What is significant to emphasize is that this law applies exclusively to operators but not to players. Residents of this country will not be prosecuted if they participate in online gambling activities. Also, the law is valid and applies only to platforms in the country. Thus, offshore companies have complete freedom to operate.

Sports betting through licensed platforms is legal. But, sports bets can only be placed before the match because live betting is prohibited. As for casino content, lotteries are allowed while the legalization of poker bets is still in question. To participate in real-time games, residents of this country can access offshore sites to enjoy them. At offshore sites, Australians can access all other casino games without any restrictions or fear of sanctions.

Preferences of Australian players

As we have already said, there are numerous preferences among Australian casino players. We conducted research to single out only the most significant ones. In the list below, we have presented everything we will talk about in the following text:

• Platform’s reputation and impressions of previous users
• Gambling site security indications
• Casino game providers that are known for their quality and security
• Popular games
• Wide offer of bonuses and promotions
• VIP program for loyal costumers
• Official sites mobile customization and development of mobile software

Platform’s reputation and impressions of previous users

We decided to single out a reputation as the first significant factor in why players choose to register at a particular online casino. Internet users today can easily check the ratings of already registered players and see what their impressions are. If the platform has over 15,000 customers and no one has filed a complaint, we can be sure that this is a fair operator. Impressions of physical casinos are very difficult to obtain.

On the other hand, searching the internet gives you all the relevant reviews of thousands of players. Also, certain offer information regarding all the advantages and disadvantages of playing on certain platforms. Some teams specialize in informing you about which site you should stay away from and which one will be beneficial for you. So, it will be useful for you to research online reviews to make the right decision.

Gambling site security indications

When choosing an operator, it is important to stay away from the network of fake sites. Fake sites are essentially unlicensed operators and are mostly found on the Russian market. However, Australian law controls operators well so this should not happen. So far, the ACMA has blocked 354 illegal websites in Australia. In order for the platform to work legally, it must meet several security requirements. Australian players take care to register on the platforms, which provide the following security indications:

• License. In order for an operator to be able to legally provide its services, it is necessary to have a valid license. Each area in Australia has a special license. The license is proof that the platform has passed all security checks and provides a secure environment to its users.
• RNG. A random number generator or RNG is a technology that ensures the fairness of games. Pokies that are so popular in Australia must be equipped with an RNG system. As we said, 600,000 Australians participate in pokies once a week or more.
• SSL technology. This security gambling technology protects user data on online gambling platforms. The SSL system encrypts the user’s personal/financial data to prevent their illegal disclosure by unauthorized persons.
• Blockchain technology. If a casino has integrated currencies with Blockchain technology into their platform, players can expect the following. Blockchain encrypts and protects transactions that take place at online casino sites. Blockchain technology eliminates all intermediaries like banks and others. Due to the security of transactions, Australians often choose Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.

Casino game providers that are known for their quality and security

Australian gambling sites focus on some of the famous names in the field of software vendors. It shows users that they are promoting a safe game whose outcome is random. Australians choose games only from trusted developers who must meet certain criteria. Three main things are significant when choosing the best provider.

First, the games must be certified by independent agencies. Non-certified software is not reliable given that its outcome can be set up. Second, the choice of games needs to be wide. The provider should offer different types of casino entertainment. It would be ideal to have slots, classic table games, and a section for playing with real dealers. Third, every game should have quality graphics with interesting sound effects in the background.

Several software providers meet these criteria. They focus primarily on programming pokies keeping in mind the popularity of this game in Australia. Some of them are:

• Aristocrat pokies is an Australian-based company that focuses on making online slots. They offer over 200 online games with the possibility of playing in a demo version. This provider has released some famous casino games like Dolphin Treasure, Queen of the Nile, 50 Lions, and others.
• RealTime Gaming is usually called “RTG”. The provider invented a large number of table games, video poker machines, and special games. RealTime Gaming is recognizable for serving Australians with progressive jackpot pokies.
• NetEnt is a developer who originally produced table games like blackjack, roulette, and others. But today they also produce pokies, which has attracted the inhabitants of this country. NetEnt software developer currently offers over 200 pokies.
• Balli is one of the traditional developers of pokies. Their distinctive feature is that they were the first to produce a slot machine with a touch screen. Since 2013, they have started designing online games only. Today, they are much appreciated by Australians.

Popular games in Australian online casinos

Certain games in Australia enjoy greater popularity compared to others. One of the best features of online operators is the ability to play casino games for free. Demo or free gaming allows gamblers to experiment with different games without risking real money. In the following part of the text, we will present the TOP five such games and highlight some of their most significant characteristics.

1. Online slots – pokies

Slots are the most popular casino games in this country. However, you will rarely hear the term slots from Australians. This game is popularly called “pokies”. In the past, physical slot machines were very limited in terms of the variety of games, jackpots, bonuses, etc. Online pokies, on the other hand, offer endless possibilities, especially if they come from quality software vendors. Some of the most popular Australian pokies are:

• Gold Factory
• Avalon
• Golden Rush
• Win Spinner
• Immortal Romance
• Thunderstruck
• Hitman
• Mega Moolah and others.

• Blackjack

21. Blackjack online is the next most popular game in Australia. What makes the people of this country play blackjack is that it allows them to use their skills. Blackjack is not just a game based on luck. It gives space to use strategy as well. Players have the opportunity to choose from a variety of blackjack games. The advantage of this game is that it implies easy rules that players can learn quickly.

• Video poker

Another famous card game of all time is poker. Classic poker and video poker have a lot of differences. What characterizes video poker is that it has a lot in common with pokies or slots. Some of the most popular video poker games in this country are Jacks or Better, All Aces, Deuces Wild, and others.

• Keno

Online keno is a simple game in which users choose the numbers they think will be drawn. Players can choose how many numbers from 1-20 will be drawn from the group of 80. Like other casino games, this one has many variants available. Keno’s advantage is that it has a wide range of stakes. Australians can place a bet on Keno from $1 to $1,000.

• Roulette

Roulette is also among the popular table games among Australians. Today there are many variations of roulette. The most popular in this country are American, European, and French roulette. What attracts players to play this game is the possibility of free play. Just like Keno, roulette has a wide range of bets too. Usually, players can place a bet on a roulette number using a stake of $1 to $1,000.

Wide offer of regular bonuses and promotions

Bonus offers are the main tool on which all casinos rely to attract as many players on the platform as possible. Usually, players pay more attention to the available bonuses than to the security of the site. The most common promotion by which Australian operators try to attract customers is the welcome bonus. Welcome bonuses are given to new players as a reward for registration. Australian operators provide free bonus money or free spins as part of the welcome package. Bonus money and spins can also come as a special offer.

A special offer of free spins is usually intended to attract players who prefer pokies. We must point out that free spins are especially popular among Australians since they adore slots. Their disadvantage is that they are very often associated with certain slot games and cannot be used in others. Occasionally, codes and coupons are offered that can bring free spins for certain slot games.

Another common promotion is a no deposit bonus. These promotions are also awarded to new players. The only difference from the welcome bonus is that it does not require any investment.

We will also mention cashback promotions. Cashback works by minimizing previous player losses. A certain amount of spent funds is returned to users in the planned periods. This offer is of great importance to Australians. In this country spending on casino games averages around $7,000 to $8,000 a year. According to statistics, some Australians who consider themselves ‘high-intensity’ players spend as much as $1,500 per hour. With a cashback promotion, funds can be significantly recouped.

Casinos also offer other bonuses to their players. Some of them are reloading bonuses, free bets, quick payouts, and the like. It should be noted that the platforms do not emphasize the bonus conditions that players should be aware of. Usually, wagering requirements are written in small letters and remain unread. The bonus terms state what the player needs to do to unlock the bonus. Wagering requirements define the number of bets that must be turned over to make funds available for withdrawal. Also, we should emphasize that all bonuses have a limited deadline. All bonus information can be found in the Terms and Conditions.

VIP program for Australian loyal costumers

We have singled out a special part of the text for VIP programs for one obvious reason. VIP programs have exclusive offers for loyal players. However, they require a lot of activity from players to advance through pre-determined levels. As a result, loyal users spend a lot more time creating bets on platforms. That activity requires money to cover gambling investments. In Australia, 150,000 players are characterized as problematic gamblers, due to excessive activity.

So, to get VIP member status, a player has to stake a lot of funds. In return, the casino presents its loyal customer with special prizes and promotions. Rewards within the VIP program can be varied. They can be deposit bonuses, cashback promotions, access to VIP games, higher payout limits, and more. VIP members can get higher bet limits to be able to win bigger jackpots. Also, personal customer support 24/7 may be available to the player to resolve all issues and concerns.

Besides this, it happens that sites give users real gifts as well. Some of them are tickets for various events, T-shirts, and more. To summarize. The VIP program is there to attract players with a wide bankroll and plenty of time to play. The more the users participate in online gaming, the more rewards they will receive. Due to excessive activity on the sites, 280,000 Australian users are at “moderate risk” of developing an addiction.

Official sites mobile customization and development of mobile software

The mobile gambling market is expanding daily with the development of technology and the increasing availability of smartphones. According to statistics, this market is expected to reach 154.81 billion dollars in 2030. Today, when we all have smartphones, mobile gambling has become a kind of a trend. Almost every Australian online casino has adapted its official site to mobile devices.

Gambling via mobile phones is practical and easy. Regardless of location, users can place an online bet on their favourite game. For placing mobile bets, only the internet connection and the battery on the phone are needed. Since the Internet is available almost everywhere, this should not be an obstacle. 

The offers of games on the mobile versions of the site can be completely identical to the one in the desktop version. If the developer has adapted the pokies on small screens, one touch will be needed to run spins on it. Many Australian operators go even further and develop their applications available for free download on iOS or Android. Specially designed apps are there to further enhance playing roulette, blackjack, baccarat, poker, slots, and other games. The link to download the application is usually located on the official website of the operator.

However, by searching the browser, Australians can find other sites where the application will be available for installation. We do not recommend downloading any software from unreliable sources.  Apart from the platform website, apps are very often available in the App and Play stores. The mobile version of the site and applications for iOS or Android have the same level of functionality. In the application, the player can also register and activate the welcome bonus. But apps can provide other benefits as well. The software consumes less internet and can run faster than sites. Considering all the benefits of the applications, it’s no wonder that many Australians choose them as a tool of play.