The latest global count of poker machines has found Australian numbers have fallen, now less than five per cent of the number in the country with the most machines.
The Gaming Technologies Association (GTA) first commissioned the World Count of Gaming machines in 1999. Information is sourced from regulatory bodies, government sources, private company research, gaming industry bodies and venues, with data verified across multiple authorities.
This latest release tabulates information regarding machines operating globally in 2019. (World Count 2019 HERE)
It is estimated that last year there were 7,431,125 authorised gaming machines installed worldwide – up 0.39 per cent from 2018.
From these, Australia is estimated to have 192,800 machines in 2019, which is a reduction of 3,501 units (1.82 per cent) from the previous year, and just 2.59 per cent of the world’s tally. All Australian jurisdictions (except Western Australia) saw a decline in machine numbers in 2019.
The report notes gaming machines can be found in a wide variety of establishments internationally, beyond hotels, clubs and casinos to cruise boats, race tracks, amusement parlours, restaurants, petrol stations, corner stores and cafes.
It also provides perspective on additional industry information, such as Maximum Bet limits in most countries.
“This survey confirms that Australian gaming machines have some of the world’s lowest maximum bet limits, which is consistent with what we have found in previous surveys,” offers Chris Muir, GTA CEO.
KEY RESULTS
The highest number of gaming machines in continental regions:
- Asia Pacific: Japan – with 4,195,930, or 56.46 per cent of EGMs in the world
- North America: United States – with 900,704, or 12.12 per cent of the world
- South America: Argentina – with 97,555, or 1.31 per cent of global
- Europe: Italy – with 407,267, 5.48 per cent of global
- Africa: South Africa – with 37,815, or 0.51 per cent of global
