/** * Deprecated Functions of Astra Theme. * * @package Astra * @link https://wpastra.com/ * @since Astra 1.0.23 */ if ( ! defined( 'ABSPATH' ) ) { exit; } /** * Deprecating footer_menu_static_css function. * * Footer menu specific static CSS function. * * @since 3.7.4 * @deprecated footer_menu_static_css() Use astra_footer_menu_static_css() * @see astra_footer_menu_static_css() * * @return string Parsed CSS */ function footer_menu_static_css() { _deprecated_function( __FUNCTION__, '3.7.4', 'astra_footer_menu_static_css()' ); return astra_footer_menu_static_css(); } /** * Deprecating is_support_footer_widget_right_margin function. * * Backward managing function based on flag - 'support-footer-widget-right-margin' which fixes right margin issue in builder widgets. * * @since 3.7.4 * @deprecated is_support_footer_widget_right_margin() Use astra_support_footer_widget_right_margin() * @see astra_support_footer_widget_right_margin() * * @return bool true|false */ function is_support_footer_widget_right_margin() { _deprecated_function( __FUNCTION__, '3.7.4', 'astra_support_footer_widget_right_margin()' ); return astra_support_footer_widget_right_margin(); } /** * Deprecating prepare_button_defaults function. * * Default configurations for builder button components. * * @since 3.7.4 * @deprecated prepare_button_defaults() Use astra_prepare_button_defaults() * @param array $defaults Button default configs. * @param string $index builder button component index. * @see astra_prepare_button_defaults() * * @return array */ function prepare_button_defaults( $defaults, $index ) { _deprecated_function( __FUNCTION__, '3.7.4', 'astra_prepare_button_defaults()' ); return astra_prepare_button_defaults( $defaults, absint( $index ) ); } /** * Deprecating prepare_html_defaults function. * * Default configurations for builder HTML components. * * @since 3.7.4 * @deprecated prepare_html_defaults() Use astra_prepare_html_defaults() * @param array $defaults HTML default configs. * @param string $index builder HTML component index. * @see astra_prepare_html_defaults() * * @return array */ function prepare_html_defaults( $defaults, $index ) { _deprecated_function( __FUNCTION__, '3.7.4', 'astra_prepare_html_defaults()' ); return astra_prepare_html_defaults( $defaults, absint( $index ) ); } /** * Deprecating prepare_social_icon_defaults function. * * Default configurations for builder Social Icon components. * * @since 3.7.4 * @deprecated prepare_social_icon_defaults() Use astra_prepare_social_icon_defaults() * @param array $defaults Social Icon default configs. * @param string $index builder Social Icon component index. * @see astra_prepare_social_icon_defaults() * * @return array */ function prepare_social_icon_defaults( $defaults, $index ) { _deprecated_function( __FUNCTION__, '3.7.4', 'astra_prepare_social_icon_defaults()' ); return astra_prepare_social_icon_defaults( $defaults, absint( $index ) ); } /** * Deprecating prepare_widget_defaults function. * * Default configurations for builder Widget components. * * @since 3.7.4 * @deprecated prepare_widget_defaults() Use astra_prepare_widget_defaults() * @param array $defaults Widget default configs. * @param string $index builder Widget component index. * @see astra_prepare_widget_defaults() * * @return array */ function prepare_widget_defaults( $defaults, $index ) { _deprecated_function( __FUNCTION__, '3.7.4', 'astra_prepare_widget_defaults()' ); return astra_prepare_widget_defaults( $defaults, absint( $index ) ); } /** * Deprecating prepare_menu_defaults function. * * Default configurations for builder Menu components. * * @since 3.7.4 * @deprecated prepare_menu_defaults() Use astra_prepare_menu_defaults() * @param array $defaults Menu default configs. * @param string $index builder Menu component index. * @see astra_prepare_menu_defaults() * * @return array */ function prepare_menu_defaults( $defaults, $index ) { _deprecated_function( __FUNCTION__, '3.7.4', 'astra_prepare_menu_defaults()' ); return astra_prepare_menu_defaults( $defaults, absint( $index ) ); } /** * Deprecating prepare_divider_defaults function. * * Default configurations for builder Divider components. * * @since 3.7.4 * @deprecated prepare_divider_defaults() Use astra_prepare_divider_defaults() * @param array $defaults Divider default configs. * @param string $index builder Divider component index. * @see astra_prepare_divider_defaults() * * @return array */ function prepare_divider_defaults( $defaults, $index ) { _deprecated_function( __FUNCTION__, '3.7.4', 'astra_prepare_divider_defaults()' ); return astra_prepare_divider_defaults( $defaults, absint( $index ) ); } /** * Deprecating is_astra_pagination_enabled function. * * Checking if Astra's pagination enabled. * * @since 3.7.4 * @deprecated is_astra_pagination_enabled() Use astra_check_pagination_enabled() * @see astra_check_pagination_enabled() * * @return bool true|false */ function is_astra_pagination_enabled() { _deprecated_function( __FUNCTION__, '3.7.4', 'astra_check_pagination_enabled()' ); return astra_check_pagination_enabled(); } /** * Deprecating is_current_post_comment_enabled function. * * Checking if current post's comment enabled and comment section is open. * * @since 3.7.4 * @deprecated is_current_post_comment_enabled() Use astra_check_current_post_comment_enabled() * @see astra_check_current_post_comment_enabled() * * @return bool true|false */ function is_current_post_comment_enabled() { _deprecated_function( __FUNCTION__, '3.7.4', 'astra_check_current_post_comment_enabled()' ); return astra_check_current_post_comment_enabled(); } /** * Deprecating ast_load_preload_local_fonts function. * * Preload Google Fonts - Feature of self-hosting font. * * @since 3.7.4 * @deprecated ast_load_preload_local_fonts() Use astra_load_preload_local_fonts() * @param string $google_font_url Google Font URL generated by customizer config. * @see astra_load_preload_local_fonts() * * @return string */ function ast_load_preload_local_fonts( $google_font_url ) { _deprecated_function( __FUNCTION__, '3.7.4', 'astra_load_preload_local_fonts()' ); return astra_load_preload_local_fonts( $google_font_url ); } /** * Deprecating ast_get_webfont_url function. * * Getting webfont based Google font URL. * * @since 3.7.4 * @deprecated ast_get_webfont_url() Use astra_get_webfont_url() * @param string $google_font_url Google Font URL generated by customizer config. * @see astra_get_webfont_url() * * @return string */ function ast_get_webfont_url( $google_font_url ) { _deprecated_function( __FUNCTION__, '3.7.4', 'astra_get_webfont_url()' ); return astra_get_webfont_url( $google_font_url ); } Australia’s Gambling Landscape: The Rise of Online Casinos and Player Expectations – Vericonn

Australia’s Gambling Landscape: The Rise of Online Casinos and Player Expectations

By /

In Australia, the gambling industry has undergone a seismic shift over the past decade, driven by technological advancements and changing consumer behaviours. Traditional brick-and-mortar casinos have struggled to keep pace with the digital revolution, while online platforms have carved out a dominant position in the market. The rise of platforms like joebit play now reflects this broader trend—one where convenience, accessibility, and innovation are the hallmarks of success. For players, the shift has brought both opportunities and challenges, particularly in terms of regulation, fairness, and long-term sustainability.

The Australian gambling market is valued at over $12 billion annually, with online platforms accounting for approximately 30 per cent of total revenue. This growth has been fuelled by the proliferation of mobile gaming, where players can engage with casino games from anywhere, anytime. However, the industry remains subject to strict regulatory oversight, with the Australian Gaming Council (AGC) and state-based bodies like the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation (VRGF) playing pivotal roles in shaping policy. The introduction of the National Gaming Agreement (NGA) in 2012 further consolidated regulatory frameworks, requiring operators to meet stringent licensing standards and financial responsibilities.

One of the most contentious issues in the online casino space is player protection and responsible gambling. Recent data from the AGC reveals that around 1.2 million Australians engage in online gambling with an average expenditure of $500 per year. While the industry has made strides in implementing self-exclusion tools and financial limits, critics argue that enforcement remains inconsistent. The VRGF’s 2023 report highlighted a concerning trend: nearly 4 per cent of online gamblers reported experiencing problem gambling behaviours, with younger adults aged 18–24 being disproportionately affected. This underscores the need for more proactive measures, such as mandatory mental health support and transparent advertising practices.

The competitive landscape is dominated by a handful of major operators, with platforms like joebit play now positioning themselves as alternatives to established names like Bet365 and 789 Casino. What sets these newer entrants apart is their focus on user experience—streamlined mobile interfaces, live dealer games, and promotional offers designed to attract both new and returning players. However, their success hinges on compliance with Australian laws, particularly the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act (AML/CTF), which requires strict KYC (Know Your Customer) procedures and transaction monitoring.

  • The Australian online gambling market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5 per cent through to 2027.
  • Over 80 per cent of Australians aged 18–35 have accessed online casino platforms in the past year.
  • State-based taxes on online gambling range from 10 per cent (Victoria) to 25 per cent (Queensland), with the federal government collecting an additional 10 per cent.
  • Problem gambling rates in online casinos are estimated at 1.5 per cent of active players, compared to 0.8 per cent in traditional venues.
  • Live dealer games account for approximately 25 per cent of total online casino revenue in Australia.

The future of online gambling in Australia will likely be shaped by technological advancements, such as blockchain-based gaming and AI-driven personalisation. However, regulatory scrutiny remains a critical factor. Operators must balance innovation with responsibility, ensuring that platforms remain fair, transparent, and player-centric. For players, the decision to engage with online casinos—whether through established brands or emerging platforms like joebit play now—will increasingly depend on trust, fairness, and the ability to mitigate risks.

As the industry evolves, one thing is clear: the line between entertainment and addiction is thinner than ever. Responsible gambling initiatives, coupled with continued regulatory oversight, will be essential in maintaining a sustainable and ethical online gambling ecosystem. For now, the trend is clear—Australia’s online casino market is here to stay, and the players who navigate it wisely will reap the rewards.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top