In the latest research done by Roy Morgan Gambling Monitor, it shows that the spending habits of Australians was down by AU$1.4 billion on poker machines. The amount shown in the research was considerably lower as compared to the spending amount last Dec. 2010 (AU$12.4 billion) and during the Global Financial Crisis 2008-2009 (AU$11.7 billion).

Australians are now spending less on gambling overall than they did in 2002 according to the latest Roy Morgan Gambling Monitor. Last year Australians spent $17.1 billion dollars on all forms of gambling, down from $20.2 billion in the 12 months to December 2002.

Expenditure on other forms of gambling is much lower than poker machines. Betting on racing ranks second in terms of expenditure but has fallen since 2002. It is followed by expenditure on lotteries/scratch tickets which has remained steady, and casino table games which has increased. Although small in terms of expenditure, sports betting has increased since 2002. Keno at a club, pub or casino has the lowest expenditure and has remained steady since 2002.

Jane Ianniello, Roy Morgan Research International Director of Tourism, Travel & Leisure, says:

"Since the GFC Australians have been spending less and buying less luxury items.

"The Roy Morgan Gambling Monitor shows that the decline in gambling spend can mainly be attributed to a decline in spend on poker machines - playing the pokies is becoming less popular, and with a decline in the incidence of alcohol consumption there are less Australians patronising venues like licensed clubs.

"The growth of online gambling, especially sports betting, has not been big enough to counter this large decline in poker machine expenditure."

The Gambling Currency Report provides an overview of the gambling industry, measuring the size of the total gambling market as well as the three main components, Gaming, Wagering and Lotteries/Scratch tickets and the changes in each over time. The report also looks at participation, cross category participation and internet usage. For each of the major forms of gambling, Poker Machines, Casino Table Games, Keno, Betting and Lotteries/Scratch tickets, the report measures overall market size for the current 12 months as well as trends over time. Participation by venue, gender, age and state of origin and annual spend per player are also measured.

The Roy Morgan Online Store contains Profiles of Australians 18+ who have participated in different forms of gambling in the last 3 months, such as all forms of betting, poker machines, casino table games, lottery or scratch ticket, online betting and keno.