Curtains or Cards? Exploring the Popularity of Theatre vs. Casinos in Australia

Since the heyday of cinema and theatre performances in the 1920s, Aussies have demonstrated their love for all forms of entertainment. According to statistics, the entertainment industry has maintained a 3% annual growth rate since 2008. On paper, one may think that all forms of entertainment are growing at this rate. However, the reality is that not all industries are growing with the same popularity or revenue.

Two industries have been dubbed the “backbone” of the growth of Australia’s entertainment sector. Casinos and theatres have graciously earned this title because of their contribution to the industry. In 2023 alone, the Australian box office reportedly raised A$985 million. Additionally, during the same period, the gaming industry was reported to have raised A$8.47 billion.

Although these records indicate that the industries are doing well, history suggests a difference in their popularity in recent times. This has also led to the comparison of both sectors.

With the availability of historical records and financial data, a comparison of the popularity of both niches is possible. This article will examine the revenue, user engagement, and growth variables of both industries in Australia.

Revenue Generation

As regards to revenue, the theatre or live entertainment industry was estimated to have raised $5.7 billion in 2019. Due to the lockdown in 2020, this revenue fell by over 60%. Since then, the industry has struggled to maintain its previous revenue records. Australian creatives and organizers have made several efforts to raise these numbers by creating all-inclusive shows.

They have also collaborated with popular performers in the industry to appeal to its pre-COVID audience. However, current statistics still suggest a far cry from the estimated impacts of these efforts.

On the other hand, 2020 brought a boom in the casino industry. Thanks to professional online casino reviews, players were able to find the best online gambling sites from the comfort of their homes. The financial records reveal that casinos and the gambling industry contributed about A$5.8 billion to the Australian economy in 2020. In the last four years, the industry has reportedly grown to a market size of A$8.2 billion. If these financial records are anything to go by, then more people favor the casino over the theatre.

User Engagement

The data on users’ engagement is quite limited. The available records, however, show that cinema attendance peaked in 2017. According to Statista, the cinema had 8.6 visits over an average of three months. Records from 2000 show an average Australian once-a-year attendance rate of 66%. In 2023, the average attendance dropped to 56%. This clearly indicates a declining popularity of theatre entertainment.

A 2023 study by the AIFS reported that 73% of Australian adults have gambled before. About 38% of these Aussies visit the casino every week. Another study states that online casino visits increased by 37% in May 2021 compared to their previous record in May 2020. The study also reports that the lockdown created an environment for 1 in 20 Aussies to create a gaming account. These records show the increasing popularity of casinos in the last five years.

Growth and Innovation

Lastly, the growth of any industry is a strong indication of increased popularity. It can be measured by the industry’s innovative efforts. With the advancement in technology, the theatre has been able to digitally enhance its performance. According to an article published in 2016, Australian theatres have upped their production with better quality and live-stream options.

This development has helped to engage more users in the various theatre performances. However, another article published in 2021 described the innovative efforts as slow paced and limited.

On the other hand, the casino industry has been described by many publications as a hub of innovation. During the lockdown in 2020, many casinos launched their own mobile apps, making 24/7 gaming possible. Computer-aided designs like VR, AR, and AI have been another major innovation in casinos since 2022.

In 2023, the industry augmented its welcome bonuses and promotions and created no-registration casinos. Other innovations include the integration of social media platforms with online casinos and “themed casino” design. The inclusion of movie-themed games, event-based games, and even community-based games has attracted several players to different gaming platforms.

Future Projections

The increasing demand for contemporary music is an indication of specific interest in Australian theatre. In the last few years, global artists like Taylor Swift have graced the Australian stage and created some buzz around the industry. One can expect that the authorities will create a more enabling environment for international tours and global artists.

For casinos, the Australian authorities are looking to maximize their potential in gaming tourism. Casino tourism is expected to raise about $761.48 million by 2032. With a projected annual compound growth rate of about 7%, the Australian casino industry is going to be a major hub for international tourists.

Final Thoughts

By comparing the innovative efforts of the casino industry and the Australian theatres, it is apparent that the former is leaps ahead. With viable innovative inclusion that improves the player’s gaming experience, it’s no surprise that its popularity has been on the rise.

The theatre still has a long way to go in terms of innovation. While sites like Netflix and Amazon Prime make innovative efforts, the theatre still needs capable hands. With more hands-on deck to push innovations, the popularity of the theatre would be revived.