RWA urges caution on online betting headlines in Australia

As one of the most fervent nations for online casino gaming and pokies, Australia is a leading light in online gambling and betting. Despite the rather confusing legal issues around legality, many people in Australia take part in all forms of online gambling and gaming. During COVID-19, though, it’s been a fact that the numbers have been rising: more people are placing bets and taking part in casino games online than would normally be the case.

However, the online betting trade group in Australia, Responsible Wagering Australia (RWA), has moved to pour cold water on the apocalyptic reports doing the rounds at the moment. This comes after the group urged “caution” in the headline figures which are being shown in the Australian media these figures show a large overall surge in gambling and spending on gambling throughout the pandemic.

However, despite the figures showing a significant jump, the RWA has said that there is no reason for people to be alarmed. One explanation that was given was with the closing of land-based casinos that there is a desire for those who would normally bet offline as opposed to online to ‘fill the void’ and get what they need.

That’s why the RWA seems more relaxed than others with regards to the high numbers. Although spending is up as much as 51% on a ‘normal’ week in some spaces of the gambling economy, it’s believed that normality will resume when casinos open-up physically again.