"What we’re hoping to be able to do is prevent gambling harm, and these are the sorts of reforms that can actually do that," Ms Griffiths says. It says people should be able to lower their limits at any time, and there should a time delay of at least 24 hours for raising limits, up to the maximum. Several other countries including Germany, Norway, Sweden and Belgium have introduced various restrictions on how much people can gamble in one go. It says about 93 per cent of Australia’s 185,000 pokies are outside casinos and that suburban pokies are in some areas more common than ATMs, post boxes, or public toilets.
Licensing Costs and Financial Requirements
Their responsibilities include ensuring compliance with the Interactive Gambling Act and taking measures against operators who offer prohibited services to Australians. Many offshore online casinos still accept Australian players, even though it’s illegal for them to do so under Australian law. These sites operate in places like Curacao or Malta, far outside Australia’s legal reach.
While not explicitly illegal for players, using offshore online casinos falls into a grey area. These sites are not regulated by Australian authorities, therefore, presenting potential risks. This means Aussie players can technically gamble online legally, with the focus on the casino operators themselves.
- Any skill games and competitions with no element of chance are not typically regarded as gambling, but may fall within certain ‘interactive gaming’ regimes when operated online and be regulated by state and territory gambling regulators.
- Other than in extreme circumstances as highlighted in recent inquiries and Royal Commissions in the casino sector, the vulnerability of the above licences to revocation or suspension has traditionally been low.
- The Interactive Gambling Amendment Act 2017 published a national registry of interactive gambling services licensed in Australia, plus new enforcement mechanisms and powers to prosecute gambling companies that break the law.
- This article examines the legislative actions and consumer protection measures that led to the prohibition of online casinos in the country.
- State and territory laws often also contain a range of offences in relation to unlawful gambling, which can include organising the unlawful event, as well as participating in it.
There is no single overarching statute regulating gambling activities in Australia, nor is there a single overarching gambling authority. Instead, gambling in Australia is regulated at both the state/territory and federal level. The future of online gambling in Australia remains a subject of ongoing discussion and potential legislative evolution. As the digital landscape and public attitudes towards online gambling continue to change, there may be shifts in the regulatory approach. Debates about balancing the protection of consumers with the freedoms of the internet are central to these discussions.
Why Are Online Casinos Banned in Australia? (2025 Guide)
What seemed to be a fairly stable national and state-level regulatory environment was however upended with the rise of online casinos. Yes, online sports betting is legal with gambling operators that are licensed and regulated in Australia. Online in-play sports betting markets are considered illegal and banned, but are legal and available via phone or at land-based venues within Australia. However, it’s not illegal for Australian residents to gamble at online casinos located outside the country.
Bettors should ensure they use reputable and licensed platforms to avoid legal complications. Please keep in mind that this article is not intended as legal advice, and it is recommended to consult a legal www.legislation.gov.au expert if you are uncertain about your specific situation. The Interactive Gambling Act contains restrictions that apply to Retail Wagering Licensees, Corporate Bookmakers and On-course Bookmakers in relation to live (or ‘in the run’) betting on sport. Such betting is limited to telephone betting and betting within a Retail Wagering environment. There has historically been lobbying seeking its approval, on the basis that it is a game of skill. Online casino gaming is prohibited in Australia under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (Cth) (Interactive Gambling Act).
Gambling operators are banned from offering online casino and online poker services to Australian customers, but there are no laws to prevent Australians from gambling at offshore casino sites, albeit at their own risk. The Act explicitly prohibits online casinos and other specific forms of internet-based gambling, targeting service providers rather than individual players. This legislation reflects Australia’s commitment to maintaining a responsible gambling environment, prioritising player protection and setting a clear legal boundary for online gambling activities. The ban may have been designed to protect Australians from the risks of gambling addiction and fraud.
State and territory licensees are expected to have appropriate controls in place to ensure that they comply with their licence obligations, including relevant laws and any conditions attaching to their licence. Failure to comply with the AML/CTF Act, including by not maintaining a compliant AML/CTF Program, stone vegas and not filing TTRs and/or SMRs (or filing them late), can result in large civil penalties and possible criminal exposure. For example, in 2017, a large Australian gambling company paid an AUS $45 million civil penalty to AUSTRAC for the failure to comply with certain requirements under the AML/CTF Act.