When the Europeans settled Australia, they brought their way of life along with them. As soon as the settlement was on its feet, gambling just seemed to naturally flow into this newly Euro-inhabited continent. In the very beginning, gambling in Australia was mostly horse races. Soon after that, lotteries took over. These two forms of gambling reigned for hundreds of years before poker machines found their way into New South Wales in the 1950s. Now with legalized gambling facilities all over, opportunity for gamblers has expanded exponentially in the past few decades. All forms of gambling are now available in Australia, leading to bigger wagers, bigger losses, and bigger revenue for the government.

The gambling industry is huge in Australia. Every year, citizen's down-under wager billions of dollars in casinos, making this continent number one when it comes to gambling losses. The industry has grown substantially over the last 20 years, following the widespread introduction and legalization of casinos and gambling machines. Gambling in Australia is inherent; the British who settled in 1770 and claimed the Land of Oz as their own never skipped a beat.

The control of gambling has generally been under State government jurisdiction. These governments have legislated to permit various forms of gambling in return for regulation and revenue-raising. Even the more traditional forms of gambling in Australia have been conducted by governments, though not exclusively. The governments' role has been one of strict regulation only, as previously publicly-owned bodies such as the Totalisator Agency Boards have been privatized. The revenue continues to flow in, increasing yearly, almost to an alarming extent in the view of various commentators and policy-makers. Revenues are only portions of the amounts people lose while gambling, and are carefully regulated.

The amount of money Australians bet on gambling activities has dramatically risen in recent years. In 1972, the first year of which fully comprehensive figures were readily available, Australians gambled close to $3.7-billion. Though horse racing and lotteries were two very popular venues for gambling, almost half of the $3.7-billion was gambled on poker machines, which was the single largest form of gambling throughout the country, even though they existed solely in New South Wales. By then, the other traditional form of gambling in Australia (lotteries) had been swamped in turnovers by gaming machines and horse racing. Soon after, the first major casino opened in Tasmania, permanently changing the gambling culture.

By the turn of the new millennium, Australians were betting almost $114-billion, over 30x the amount they wagered in 1972. Poker machines contributed around 65% of all gambling turnover by 2000, existing as separately identifiable facilities in all states and territories except Western Australia, where they're allowed solely in casinos. The large numbers prove that, no matter where you make gambling available, the people will come. Australia and gambling go hand in hand. From humble beginnings in the 1700s, to some of the most lavish casinos of the new millennium, this small continent produces big thrills.

Crown Casino - Melbourne - Australia
Tel: +61 3 9292 8888
Located on the southern bank of Melbourne's Yarra River, Crown offers a brilliant combination of unsurpassed luxury, relaxed style, warm service and non-stop excitement. Crown is Melbourne's premier entertainment venue offering something to meet every need and match every mood.

Whether you want to be dazzled by the fire displays on Crown's riverside or pampered in the luxurious Crown Spa, this is truly a place to meet your every need and match your every mood.

The thrill of the gaming floor, the glamour of the nightlife, the sumptous dining, the remarkable shopping, the stylish accommodation and the friendly service come together at Crown to create the world's most exciting entertainment experience.

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