Australian Gambling Laws | Legal Online Gambling in Australia

Lisa Cheban
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Lisa Cheban

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Lisa is an esteemed expert in the field of iGaming. With her extensive experience in writing iGaming content, she possesses the knowledge and skills to provide you with the most informative and engaging insights into the world of gambling.


 

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Simon Young
Reviewed byReviewed by:Simon Young

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Simon Young

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Simon Young, a former national news editor and journalist, once held the prestigious position of Lead Editor at PokerStars before focusing his editorial talents on Betsquare. His illustrious career journey seamlessly bridges the realms of journalism and online gambling, crafting a unique narrative of expertise and innovation.


 

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Editorial Note: We might earn a commission from partner links on Betsquare. These commissions do not affect our writers and editors’ opinions or evaluations.

Updated on:

Feb 19, 2024, 1:56 pm

Introduction:

Before you start your online gambling adventure in Australia, make sure that you are prepared for a safe experience and are aware of the local gambling laws in Australia. The thing is that Australian customers can access online sports betting and gambling operations only when they are regulated by the local government.

The same is with land based casinos. This aspect is regulated by the Interactive Gambling Act. However, you shouldn’t worry since gambling services are still available in the country and you can opt for online games from leading gambling providers like RTG and Aristocrat. These titles are available on offshore gambling operators.

But is web based gambling of this kind available in the country? And what problems can players face? All these details will be covered on this page by our BetSquare experts!

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Why Betsquare

Extensive knowledge of online casinos due to years of practical experience
Interactive web platform with impression videos for each online casino/bookmaker
Transparent reviews

Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA)

The Interactive Gambling Act 2001 is a set of rules provided by the Australian government. They fully display gambling laws in Australia, covering the activity of land-based and online gaming operators. Significant changes to this act were added in 2017 and 2019.

For example, in 2019, the changes allowed the authority to bring in the National Self-Exclusion Register. The main requirement of this act is that online gambling services can’t be provided by offshore operators who aren’t registered in the country and are regulated by the local government.

As for other authorities which are in charge of the industry, they are Gambling Tasmania Department, Liquor and Gaming Regulation, Finance Victoria Victorian Commission, and Northern Territory Government.

What does this mean for players? Should Aussies avoid offshore real money casinos like the ones in our BetSquare rating? To answer this, you need to pay attention to the main aspects of this document. Yes, the government doesn’t allow such operators to work in the country.

But when they do (and you can find lots of trustworthy offshore casinos and online sportsbooks), the government won’t punish players. It’s a problem of the operator only, while Australians can rest assured and enjoy all the services available on these sites, including real money payments, games, and bonuses.

South Australian Law

Gambling Act 1936, Gaming Machine Act 1992, Authorised Bet Operations Act 2000, and The ABOA aim specifically to prevent corruption in the casino sector across the country.

Integrity means establishing that gambling service providers provide consistent and reliable services to the customers according to predetermined rules, by people who are “fit and proper” and within the context which protects consumers.

The South Australian Integrity measures cover all aspects of the gambling industry if the gambling industry is not authorised.

New South Wales Law

Law 1901 Gaming Machine Act, 2001. Its objectives include the following:

  • To prevent harm to the victims arising from gambling activities
  • To encourage responsible behavior in the gaming industry
  • To promote a balanced and beneficial development for the gaming industry
  • To protect the integrity of the gaming industries

The State government has announced that they will continue to reduce the number and quality of gaming machines.

Queensland Law

The IGA’s purpose is a comprehensive act to ensure the public’s benefit through interactive gambling in the long term. The balance will be achieved by allowing online gambling to operate under the supervision of the game industry and the gaming industry, preserving the game’s integrity and fairness and securing the integrity of those engaged in interactive gambling.

Victoria Laws

Regarding the regulations for the operation of gambling, The Victorian Gambling Control Bill 1993 regulates gambling operations except for the casinos. The Act’s main aim was to promote responsible gaming, limit the damages to the player if a gambling problem arises and accommodate the gambler to avoid harm to themselves.

Online Gambling in Australia

Online gambling services working according to Australia gambling laws are rich in online gaming products for all tastes. You find this entertainment in Western Australia, South Australia, or in the territory controlled by the South Wales Liquor Commission.

So, what games are available at online casinos operating illegally in Australia and why do Aussies enjoy this software so much? Let’s find out.

Slot machines (Pokies)

Players adore online pokies for their simplicity and a wide range of games for all tastes. You receive rewards not only according to the paytable but also thanks to bonus features like free spins and even progressive jackpots.

The most popular licensed providers working on this software, especially in South Australia, are gambling providers like RTG, NetEnt, Aristocrat, Ainsworth, and more.

Poker

The fans of online poker know that the more valuable hand is received, the better the overall reward is. That’s why you should learn what Flush, Royal Flush, and other hands are like and how to count them. Gambling providers can provide live dealer poker games as well.

Bingo (Housie)

One more online gambling type Aussies enjoy is online bingo. You get special tickets and wait for the balls to determine the winning numbers. If these numbers form a line on your tickets, this ticket will pay winnings according to the paytable.

Sports Betting

Not only casino style games are enjoyed by Australians. Sports betting is just as popular, including in play betting (and in play wagering as well). Australian laws don’t prohibit this activity according to the same principle as with online gambling services.

Money Transactions at Legal Online Casinos

Australian laws don’t prohibit gamblers from making real money payments. That’s why picking a reliable financial gambling provider is just as important. You need to analyse both national licensing sites where you want to play and online gambling payment options available at the moment.

So, what payment options are available in Australia and how do Aussies use them to enjoy both real money games and thrilling promotions?

Visa

This payment option is extremely popular in the Australian online gambling sector. Here, you need to enter the card details, including a CVV code, to make a payment. Moreover, it’s convenient that Visa is available for withdrawals as well.

Mastercard

As well as Visa, Mastercard is extremely popular and convenient in online gambling. It’s nice that you also can use it for both deposits and withdrawals. Moreover, the compatibility with bonuses is also top-notch.

Neteller

One more online gambling leader when it comes to payments is Neteller. The e-wallet provides fast deposits and cashouts. Moreover, transactions are charge-free, while Neteller payments can let you access real money games from any online gambling provider.

Are Australian online gambling laws enforced?

They are enforced for online gambling and online betting providers. However, when it comes to players, all these prohibitions aren’t essential and Australians can not only gamble but also use all the other services like real money payments, bonuses, and more. And Australian communications prove this in practice.

2024's Best Gambling Sites for Australian Players

To avoid illegal gambling websites and enjoy top-tier online gambling services, players can use the BetSquare rating on this page. These sites offer sports betting services and online gambling services on various casino style games like online pokies, online blackjack, and more.

Meet online gambling legal titles and enjoy fair online casinos available in Western Australia, Australian capital territory, Northern territory, and more. Here are several main advantages of these online gambling sites:

The sites are powered by top-tier internet service providers like NetEnt, Aristocrat, and others. The following casinos don’t break the gambling legislation in Australia. Sports betting platforms accept various options like in play betting.

There are loads of instant play titles like crash games. The casinos support AU-friendly payment options like Pay by Phone. Gamblers can activate top-notch bonuses designed for all budgets.

Online Gambling Complaints

When Aussies have problems in designated countries regulated by online gambling laws, players can count on help since the act gambling controls the industry and provides not only theoretical but also practical tips to deal with illegal gambling services.

Moreover, Media authority provides guides so that players pick a trustworthy gambling site. And when you want to find out about complaints from other players, explore casino reviews and feedback from real customers.

Are Online Pokies Australia Legal? Summary

Australia unlike some other countries with strict prohibitions, is friendly to online gambling. Players can access Australian licence betting services and online casinos with a local licence. However, even when this licence is absent, you shouldn’t worry.

Even when a prohibited interactive gambling service takes place, it’s a problem of an operator only, while penalties for actual customers aren’t provided (it’s true for South Australia, Northern Territory, and New South Wales).

Australian communications and media authority provide AU players with a wide range of available gambling operators and sports betting options like horse racing. Australia’s gambling regulation has certain restrictions regarding prohibited gambling activity and gambling legislation, but all in all, consumer protection and responsible gambling are the main goals.

Once these requirements are met and Aussies pick safe online casinos, at least one casino is sure to meet your requirements!

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FAQ

If you still aren’t sure that everything is clear, here are several frequently asked questions to give you the answers about the best online casino sites and sum up the above.

Is it legal to play online pokies in Australia?

Australian communications show that it’s prohibited to operate in the country without a gambling licence from the local government. But there are no punishments for players, so you can relax and gamble.

Is there any legal online casino in Australia?

If you are searching for safe and reliable gambling sites in Australia (including the ones with the in play betting option), you can choose any top-rated online casino from the BetSquare rating.

Where can I play online pokies in Australia?

You can gamble online to try out games from any online gambling provider and enjoy sports betting services at the best Australian online casinos we’ve tested and listed here at BetSquare.

Are online pokies banned in Australia?

No, they aren’t. Interactive gambling activities allow online pokies at casinos with an Australian licence. Plus, there can be cool pokies at offshore online casinos.

What is the penalty for online gambling in Australia?

When these penalties take place, they affect illegal gambling websites. Players shouldn’t worry about these restrictions and can gamble on safe internet gambling sites.

What happens if you gamble online in Australia?

Once you access gambling activities or sports betting on licensed and fair sites, such gambling services won’t be illegal and you can withdraw real wins once the luck is on your side.

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Our Review Process

At Betsquare.com, as a leading online casino affiliate website, we maintain robust sourcing standards. Our insights are derived from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and authoritative industry associations. We steer clear of tertiary references, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of our content. For a deeper understanding of our content verification processes, explore our editorial policy.

Our team of experts diligently monitors the online casino industry, ensuring our articles remain current and relevant by promptly incorporating the latest available information.
Current Version
Dec 7, 2022
Written By
Lisa Cheban
Edited By
Simon Young

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