Number of poker and gaming machines in Australia - Data and Analysis (2002-2034)

IBISWorld forecasts the number of poker and gaming machines to decline by 0.5% in 2026-27, to total 183,591 machines. The fall in the number of electronic gaming machines in Australia continues the long-term downward trend, primarily reflecting regulatory caps that limit the total number of operational machines nationally. Gaming machine legislation varies by state and territory, but a combination of explicit caps, entitlement trading schemes and licensing controls effectively restricts growth in machine numbers. Rising public concern about gambling-related harm has led several jurisdictions to tighten harm-minimisation measures, including lower load-up limits, mandatory pre-commitment systems and expanded shutdown periods for gaming rooms, which has reinforced pressure to contain or reduce machine numbers.New South Wales continues to account for the largest share of gaming machines in Australia, with close to half of total national machine numbers, while Victoria and Queensland also host substantial machine bases. In New South Wales, the state cap on club entitlements has been progressively lowered and is now set below 96,000, with regulatory frameworks for trading entitlements designed to gradually reduce the number of machines in high-risk locations. In Victoria, the government has committed to implementing what it has called some of the toughest poker machine reforms in Australia, including mandatory carded play, binding loss limits and extended daily shutdown periods for venues, which are expected to encourage some operators to rationalise machine numbers over time. Western Australia remains the most restrictive jurisdiction, as gaming machines are effectively confined to the state's single casino, leaving it with by far the highest ratio of people per machine.The number of electronic gaming machines installed in Australia has trended lower over the past five years, even as the population has grown steadily. Harm-minimisation campaigns by public health bodies, mental health advocates and peak medical organisations have increased pressure on governments and venue operators to reduce the availability and intensity of high-loss gambling products, including electronic gaming machines. Several major sporting clubs and community organisations have divested their poker machine holdings or chosen not to renew licences, reflecting reputational concerns and a strategic shift away from gaming machine revenue. Overall, IBISWorld estimates that the number of poker and gaming machines in Australia declines at a compound annual rate of 0.2% over the five years through 2026-27.