What Data Tells Us About Australian Online Pokies (2025)

Data Insights: How Australians Are Playing Online Pokies in 2025

Data is increasingly central to how we understand the world of Australian online pokies. Beyond flashy themes and jackpots, platforms collect massive volumes of data on when and how people play, what games they prefer, and which features drive engagement. Here's a breakdown of what current data reveals about Australian pokies players in 2025—and how this influences both the player experience and the industry itself.

Peak Playing Times and Session Length

Evenings and Weekends Dominate

Recent analytics from several large platforms show that the majority of play sessions occur between 7:00 PM and 11:30 PM, local time. Weekends see a noticeable spike, with Saturday evenings showing the highest average bet amounts.

Shorter but More Frequent Sessions

Average session length has decreased compared to 2020–2022, dropping to around 8–12 minutes. However, frequency has increased. Many players log in multiple times per day, suggesting a shift toward short, habitual play rather than long binge sessions.

Device Usage: Mobile vs Desktop

Mobile Still Leads, But Tablet Use Is Rising

Roughly 74% of pokies play in Australia is now mobile-based. However, tablet usage has jumped from 6% to 14% since 2023, largely driven by older demographics. Desktop usage remains relevant for users engaging in longer play sessions or those using multiple games simultaneously.

Performance Expectations Are Higher

Players expect smooth animations, fast loading, and no crashes—especially on mobile. Sites that lag or freeze during spins see significant bounce rates, especially among players under 35.

Popular Game Features

Respin and Cascading Reels

These mechanics top the list in terms of retention. Players are more likely to continue sessions when games offer respins or cascading wins. Data shows these features generate 23% higher engagement than standard reel mechanics.

Bonus Buy Options

Roughly 1 in 3 players now use bonus buy features. While controversial, they’re popular among experienced users who want to skip base play and jump straight to features.

Geo-Based Preferences

States Show Distinct Trends

Players in Queensland and New South Wales favour high-volatility games, while those in Victoria lean toward low-volatility, high-frequency pokies. Regional preferences are influencing how platforms recommend games via algorithms.

Localised Promotions

Targeted bonuses based on region-specific holidays and sporting events are outperforming generic promotions. Operators are using geo-data to offer bonuses that feel timely and relevant.

Behavioural Trends and User Habits

Multigaming and Split Attention

Multitasking during pokies sessions is rising. Many users report playing pokies while watching TV or listening to podcasts. In response, casinos are simplifying UI elements and streamlining autoplay features.

Deposit and Wagering Trends

The average first deposit is now $38, down from $50 two years ago. However, total monthly spend is up 12%, indicating that players are making more deposits, but in smaller amounts.

Final Thoughts: Numbers Drive the Future

Understanding player data allows casinos to refine their offerings—but it also empowers players. Knowing when, how, and why people play helps inform smarter choices and safer habits. In 2025, data isn’t just a back-end tool for operators—it’s the lens through which the entire online pokies ecosystem is evolving.

For Australian players and platforms alike, embracing this data-driven approach means more personalised, relevant, and responsible gaming experiences.