The September gaming results in Queensland, Australia, revealed a year-on-year increase of 7.7% but showed a notable 10% decline from August 2024's record-breaking figures, as per data from Wohlsen Consulting. The drop, which affected both clubs and pubs, marked the end of a sustained growth period in the region's gaming demand. Clubs experienced a sharper decline than pubs, and the opening of the Queens Wharf Casino Resort also impacted downtown Brisbane. Despite the decline, these results fall within the range of expected seasonal variations, with some areas performing better than others.

September Sees Gaming Revenue Increase Year-on-Year

According to Wohlsen Consulting, Queensland’s gaming sector experienced a 7.7% increase in September 2024 compared to the same period in the previous year. This growth indicates steady demand for gaming across clubs and pubs, despite a more turbulent performance when viewed month-on-month.

Month-on-Month Decline From August Highs

Although gaming results showed year-on-year growth, September saw a 10% decline compared to the record figures posted in August 2024. This drop signals a cooling in demand after the previous month’s peak, likely reflecting a natural seasonal adjustment. August is traditionally a stronger month for gaming, and the 10% drop, while notable, is slightly steeper than the historical average decline of 6.3% between these two months.

Clubs Suffer More Than Pubs

The report highlights that clubs faced a more significant downturn than pubs, with a 10.2% decrease in September compared to August. This suggests that gaming at clubs was more vulnerable to the seasonal shift, or possibly other factors, than the pub sector, which showed more resilience during this period.

Seasonal Trends and the 3.3% Impact

September traditionally registers lower gaming numbers compared to August, due to fewer days of trade and seasonal factors. The 30-day trading period contributed to an estimated 3.3% of the overall 10% decline, indicating that while some of the downturn is expected, the additional loss suggests external pressures on demand.

Queens Wharf Casino Impacts Brisbane Results

The newly opened Queens Wharf Casino Resort had a significant impact on Brisbane’s downtown gaming results, which saw a sharp 15.2% decline compared to August. While this new entrant disrupted gaming revenues in the central business district, other parts of Brisbane were less affected and posted stronger results, highlighting regional variations in performance.

Outlook and Industry Implications

Despite the month-on-month decline, the Queensland gaming sector remains robust with year-on-year growth. The introduction of the Queens Wharf Casino is likely to continue reshaping the local market, particularly in Brisbane, as players and tourists adjust to the new venue. The resilience in certain areas suggests that while the sector may face short-term volatility, its long-term outlook remains strong.