How iGaming in Australia has combined retail and online sectors

The rise of the internet was undoubtedly a disruptive force within the retail industry, bringing a newfound level of convenience to consumers, allowing them to shop online for goods and services from the comfort of their own homes.

It wasn’t long before mobile technologies took things to an entirely new level, allowing users to browse and buy via handheld devices.

But rather than being the death knell for bricks and mortar stores that many predicted, although various famous and cherished brands fell by the wayside, most companies embraced the digital spaces that were presenting whole new realms of opportunity.

Akin to those in many countries around the world, Australian retailers have needed to adapt and evolve, merging and shifting perspectives to suit ever changing business needs.

This includes what is now commonly referred to as the iGaming sector, also known as the gambling industry, which typically incorporates casino gaming and sports betting.

Both niches have undoubtedly faced a variety of challenges, many of which revolve around maintaining the validity and relevance of physical storefront venues, alongside the consistently increasing demands for online trading.

Physical interaction remains important for Australians

During an intriguing study undertaken midway through 2022, strong evidence was found that Australians favour shopping in-store, countering the popular belief that convenience has made purchasing online the preferred option.

According to the survey undertaken by finance technology platform, Ayden, 73% of respondents indicated their preference to visit physical stores, rather than buying retail products online.

Interestingly, this figure in Australia is much higher than comparable nations elsewhere around the world, although the pandemic and lockdowns are believed to have influenced the numbers.

There seems to have been a newfound appreciation towards visiting retail outlets, where people are able to physically interact with products, prior to buying. Likewise, the overall experience of shopping is often combined with other leisure activities.

Since occupying its permanent and prominent position on the Southbank district in 1997, the impressive Crown Melbourne covers 510,000 square metres of space, making this venue the biggest casino resort complex in the southern hemisphere.

Besides the gaming floors, this location is filled with entertainment hotspots, dining experiences, plus a retail area packed with shops of practically every kind.

Regularly featured as one of the top attractions and things to do in Melbourne, heading to this venue covering two city blocks is always high on the list of places to visit, underlining the insatiable desire for Australians to enjoy “experience” shopping destinations. Nevertheless, consumers down under also spent a record $62b online through 2022, underlining that e-commerce remains an intrinsic part of modern societal norms.

Global iGaming boom with firm roots in Australia

Widely acknowledged as popular forms of entertainment, betting on sports and gambling at casinos remain favourite pastimes for many people in Australia, given that little compares to the thrill of wagering.

Enthusiasm for this activity dates all the way back to the first colonists, when arriving from Europe and elsewhere around the world, continuing to enjoy their favourite hobbies as they settled new lands.

But now that society is keenly focused on responsible gambling, learning more about the activity and educating ourselves has become increasingly important. Before gaming at any online casino in Australia for real money, getting reviews covering the most trustworthy operators is always recommended. Interestingly, many of the top sites are extensions of land-based casino venues, highlighting the continued ties with retail entertainment spaces.

Some offer live hosted casino games like roulette or poker, from studios based within physical casino sites. This indicates that players continue to enjoy realistic gaming experiences, comparable to those of the bricks and mortar venues and with real people involved.

Meanwhile, digital gaming platforms are also highly popular, especially the pokies, having evolved in sophistication beyond their counterparts in bars and clubs.

Essentially, the iGaming industry has demonstrated that casino gaming continues to thrive, largely thanks to retail inspiration and innovation, both for in-person gaming and online. Over the coming decade, both niche areas are also expected to enjoy further growth.