Queensland’s gaming industry reported a mixed set of results in February 2025, with robust year-on-year growth but a continued monthly decline. According to the latest data from Wohlsen Consulting, gaming revenue from pubs and clubs increased by 4.7 percent compared to the same period last year. 

However, figures were down by 8.2 percent from January, highlighting a persistent downward trend. The consultancy firm noted that February’s results were “pleasing”, especially for Brisbane’s Inner area, where strong trading reaffirmed that new casino operations had minimal impact on the sector, local media reported. 

Clubs in the state of Queensland experienced a notable rise in revenues. A 9.2 percent year-on-year increase was observed, generating AU$116.55 million (€60.2 million), while hotels saw an 8.4 percent increase, bringing in AU$149.32 million (€77.1 million). Despite these positive annual comparisons, hotels recorded a month-on-month decline of 6.5 percent, and clubs dropped by 10.2 percent. 

All in all, hotels continued to dominate Queensland’s gaming landscape, accounting for 56 percent of the market, up by one percentage point from the previous month.

Strong performance provides context

Now, this dip in the month of February follows a strong start to 2025. In January 2025 , Queensland’s gaming sector recorded an impressive AU$303.1 million (€156.6 million) in revenue, reflecting a 9.6 percent year-on-year increase. 

However, this figure was still 6.1 percent lower than December 2024 revenue, following a historical pattern of reduced post-holiday gaming activity.

Within the sector, clubs posted AU$136.4 million (€70.4 million) in revenue, growing 11.1 percent annually, while hotels earned AU$166.7 million (€86 million), up by 8.4 percent year-on-year. Despite the seasonal fluctuations, January’s figures demonstrated the overall strength of Australia’s gaming industry, setting the stage for a more stable outlook.

Overall troubles and wider concerns

Despite the relative resilience of the gaming sector, wider concerns still persist over Queensland’s and Australia’s overall gambling landscape. 

Star Entertainment Group, one of the nation’s largest casino operators, continues to grapple with severe financial distress. As of December 2024, the company’s cash reserves had plummeted to just AU$79 million (€40.8 million), with a worrying monthly cash burn of AU$50 million (€25.8 million).

With 9,000 jobs at stake across its casinos in Sydney, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast, discussions about potential government intervention have surfaced. Queensland’s gaming industry remains in flux, with a combination of regulatory pressures, financial instability, and shifting consumer behaviour shaping its uncertain future.

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