Gambling has always been a part of the Australian mentality. In fact, Australians take great pride in their reputation as a nation where people will bet on “two flies on the wall.” Statistics show that 90% of the Australian population engages in some form of gambling, contributing a massive AUS $20 billion annually. Given this widespread enthusiasm, it's no surprise that casinos are found in many cities and regions across the country. For those seeking the best pokies online or a live poker experience, Australia remains a prominent destination for gambling aficionados.
However, with the prevalence of gambling comes concerns, particularly regarding gambling addiction, which has affected both traditional and online gaming environments. The nation has had to confront the challenges that arise from this widespread interest.
Australia may not share the same global fame as Macau or Las Vegas, but it has earned prestige for being one of the best live poker destinations worldwide. This reputation is supported by the abundance of poker tables in Australian casinos and by hosting one of the biggest poker events in the world—the Aussie Millions. The growth of poker in Australia can be largely attributed to the 2005 WSOP Main Event victory of Australian Joe Hachem, a landmark event that sparked a surge in poker's popularity. Today, Australia is at the forefront of poker discussions when players think about major poker destinations.
Famous Australian Poker Players
As mentioned earlier, 2005 WSOP Main Event champion Joe Hachem is a cornerstone of Australian poker history. With $12.714 million in career earnings—$7.5 million of which came from his Main Event win—Hachem remains a dominant figure in the Australian poker scene.
Kahle Burns follows as the second-highest earning Australian player, with $10.732 million in winnings. Another standout player is Michael Addamo, a two-time WSOP gold bracelet winner, who has earned $8.303 million and gained considerable success in high-stakes online poker. Robert Campbell, who claimed the 2019 WSOP Player of the Year award after an impressive performance, and Matt Kirk, a renowned high-stakes Pot Limit Omaha cash game player, are also among Australia’s elite players.
Online Poker in Australia
Online Poker Legislation in Australia
Australia's online gambling landscape has been shaped by the Interactive Gambling Act (IGA), which aimed to curb illegal sports betting. Unfortunately, the act inadvertently impacted online poker, particularly offshore sites. This led to the exit of major platforms like 888Poker, PokerStars, and PartyPoker, which feared hefty fines exceeding AUS $1 million. While many trusted international poker sites pulled out, others like Intertops and Ignition Casino still cater to Australian players—although these foreign platforms have also faced restrictions from the Australian government.
The IGA's wording has led Australia to consider a licensing scheme for poker platforms to allow regulated, onshore poker operations. Communications Minister Mitch Fifield has expressed support for this idea, stating that online poker should be regulated in a manner that ensures players can enjoy their hobby safely. Despite these intentions, a comprehensive licensing framework has not yet been put into place.
Live Poker in Australia
Live Poker Legislation in Australia
In Australia, gambling is legal in all states, and the laws governing live poker are no different. While each state has its own set of regulations, there are no restrictions on the playing of live poker. This has allowed many prestigious tournaments to take place year after year.
However, Australia's government remains vigilant regarding the potential problems caused by gambling addiction, with estimates suggesting that between 80,000 to 160,000 Australians struggle with gambling problems. This addiction crisis costs the country approximately $4.7 billion annually. To mitigate these issues, regulations have been implemented that focus on gambling operators rather than players, dictating how operators advertise and promote their games.
Live Poker Venues in Australia
Australia boasts around 130 poker tables spread across more than 20 poker rooms, and poker machines are incredibly popular, with approximately 180,000 units—five times more than in the United States! Major cities like Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide, and Darwin are home to some of the country’s finest poker venues.
If you’re looking to experience top-tier live poker action, Melbourne stands out as a premier destination. In addition to the regular poker tables, Australia hosts some of the world’s largest poker tournaments, such as the Aussie Millions, the Australian National Poker Tour (ANZPT), and major stops on the World Series of Poker (WSOP), World Poker Tour (WPT), Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APT), and Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT).
Australia’s poker scene continues to thrive, offering both online and live poker enthusiasts a vibrant environment to indulge in their passion. Whether you’re seeking the best pokies online or testing your skills at a live poker table, Australia remains a poker destination of choice.