Gambling Laws, Regulations & Licences at Online Casinos in Australia

AUSTRAC has also commenced proceedings against The Star and undertaken enforcement investigations in relation to global corporate bookmakers. Further, ACMA has also been very active in engaging with overseas regulators and other parties concerning the illegal offering of online gambling products in Australia. Owing to our extensive expertise, we’ve carefully put together a wealth of information to help you make informed decision on the safest online casino in Australia. Get the ball rolling with a 100% welcome bonus of up to AU$ 10,000 and claim 100 free spins! At the same time, we’d eagerly encourage you to get started with any of the best online casino sites we’ve reviewed. At the end of the day, even the best Australian online casinos come with a level of risk when you play with real money.

Our experts have played at each and every one of these sites and have written extensive Australian online casino reviews for each of them. The fact that these international bookmakers offer live betting — something that local sportsbooks are prohibited from doing — makes them an extremely popular option among Australian gamblers. The Interactive Gaming Act of 2001 expressly forbids any form of online gambling activity unless the service provider is licensed by the Australian Government.

We are grateful such companies choose to do this, because otherwise it would be near impossible for us residents to access online real money casino games. The IGA does not target residents at all, so Australian citizens cannot be punished for playing at an online casino (signing up and gambling). This law remains in place today and has been referenced by the current government, claiming it is due for a review. Up to date, there are a number of licensed land-based casino venues on the territory of Australia. In addition, some kinds of gaming machines like video poker (pokies) and slots machines are also available for players in bars, clubs and pubs.

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This means that Australian-based gambling sites and licensed offshore https://spinline-nz.com/vip gambling sites are allowed to offer these types of gambling options to Aussie residents. When it comes to casino games such as slots and pokies, or poker games for real money, players can no longer legally access offshore online casinos or poker sites unless said site applies for and is granted an Australian gaming license as well. This restriction has not dissuaded all offshore betting sites or all Australian players, as you can see by the handful of online gambling destinations that still welcome players from this country. Prohibited ‘interactive gambling services’ include a wide range of gambling activities facilitated by digital platforms, including online casinos, online poker, and live sports betting. Generally, any interactive game provided online for some financial benefit is likely to fit within the federal prohibition.

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There are two payment options that are offered to customers depending on their place of residence. Casino gambling in Australia is easy to navigate once you understand the legalities involved and can determine what is and is not allowed. Multiple states and territories clearly approve land-based casino gambling, as reflected in the country’s various brick-and-mortar casino destinations. The ACT keno licensee and Victorian keno licensees can offer their products online and the NSW keno licensee can offer its product online in hotel and club venues only (using geo-fencing technology).

We also take it a step further and make sure a respected company within the industry is doing the audits. We never take it lightly and don’t just accept that a casino is fair because it has an icon on its site that says so. So yes, our recommended online casinos accepting Australian residents are fair.

Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA)

  • The sole casino licensee also pays a tax of 9% on ‘high roller’ gaming revenue, together with a 1% community benefit payment.
  • It’s also worth noting that placing wagers at international sportsbooks that are not licensed by the Australian government is not a criminal offence.
  • However, obtaining a license from ACMA, a regulatory body overseeing gambling activities in the country, involves an assessment of the casino’s financial stability, vast security measures, as well as responsible gaming practices.
  • Gambling addiction can ruin lives, and there’s no shame in reaching out for help if you feel you’ve lost control.
  • A ‘legal bookmaker’ is defined as a licensed bookmaker approved by Liquor & Gaming NSW or by any other relevant state or territory legal authority.

Casino licences can typically only be applied for through a competitive tender process run by the relevant state or territory. The same applies in relation to Retail Wagering Licences and also lotteries and keno licences. Gaming machine and other equipment manufacturers, software developers and technical services suppliers selling products and/or services used for gambling-related activities are also required to hold a relevant licence. Bookmaking requires a Corporate Bookmaker Licence or an On-course Bookmaker Licence.

In recent years, several developments have made it seem as though the online poker situation in Australia might go through some changes. Though it now appears more likely that the status quo will remain intact for some time to come. In 2001, the Interactive Gambling Act (IGA) was enforced with an eye towards curbing the perceived negative impacts of online gambling in Australia. Technical loopholes arose, and Australia had no choice but to make changes to the law to protect those at risk of online gambling. By comparison, New Zealand will have online casino licensing and regulation in place by 2026, so it will be interesting to see what – if any – impact that has on the Australian market, given the close economic ties between the two countries.

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National oversight is administered through the Australian Commonwealth, though from a minimalistic approach. You can learn more about the regulation of legal land-based gambling on our page about Regional Gambling Laws in Australia. Lotteries are subject to relatively high state and territory taxation rates. This is a departure from the previous ‘point of supply’ regime, under which states and territories derived no betting tax revenue from Corporate Bookmakers and other licensed betting operators taking bets online in the relevant jurisdiction. Lotteries licensees can offer their approved lottery products through retail newsagencies, other approved retail venues, third-party agents, resellers and also online.