Gambling laws in Australia in 2025 are shaped by both federal and state legislation, creating one of the most complex regulatory frameworks in the world. At the national level, the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA) strictly prohibits domestic operators from offering online casinos, pokies, poker, or roulette. However, Australians are not penalised for playing at offshore sites, which exist in a legal grey area.
Licensed sports betting, racing, and lottery services remain legal, but operators must comply with strict state-based licensing and oversight. Regulation and enforcement are managed by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), which targets illegal offshore operators rather than individual players.
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Online gambling laws in Australia vary by state and territory. You must be at least 18 years of age and ensure that any activity you engage in complies with the rules and regulations of your local jurisdiction.
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Understanding Online Gambling Laws in Australia
Australia’s gambling industry is one of the largest per-capita markets in the world, but the online gambling laws in Australia are often misunderstood. At the national level, the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA) sets strict boundaries on what operators can and cannot offer to Australian players.
While online pokies, poker rooms, and digital casino games cannot be legally provided by domestic operators, licensed platforms can still offer sports betting, racing, and lottery services. Offshore online casinos remain a legal grey area: Australians are not prosecuted for playing, but unlicensed providers risk enforcement from regulators such as the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).
Overview of Australian Gambling Legislation
- Federal rules: The IGA 2001 bans domestic operators from offering online casinos, pokies, and poker.
- State regulators: Each state (NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, etc.) manages licensing and compliance locally.
- Permitted betting: Sports betting and lotteries remain legal if licensed.
- Player impact: Offshore casinos are a legal grey area—Australians can play, but operators face ACMA action.
Why Knowing the Law Matters for Online Casino Players
- Stay protected: Choose only licensed or trusted offshore casinos to ensure fair play.
- Avoid scams: Understanding the law helps spot unregulated or risky operators.
- Play safe: Look for responsible gambling tools, deposit limits, and secure payment options.
- Peace of mind: Informed players reduce risks while enjoying online pokies, sports betting, or lotteries.
What Is the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA)?
The Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA) is the cornerstone of online gambling laws in Australia, designed to regulate the industry and protect players. It sets out clear rules on what operators can legally provide to Australian residents.
Purpose of the IGA and Its Restrictions
- Protect players: Prevent harm from unregulated gambling services.
- Ban on casino games: Domestic operators cannot offer online casinos, pokies, poker, or bingo.
- Permitted services: Licensed sportsbooks and lotteries can operate under strict conditions.
- Operator penalties: Heavy fines apply for breaches, enforced by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).
How It Applies to Online Casinos and Pokies
- Domestic limits: Aussie-based casinos cannot legally provide online pokies or real-money casino games.
- Offshore casinos: Players can access international sites, though operators face legal risks.
- Player status: Australians are not prosecuted for playing, but should use safe online casinos.
- Grey areas: Creates a divide between what is restricted locally and what is accessible globally.
The Interactive Gambling Amendment Bill 2017
The Interactive Gambling Amendment Bill 2016, often referred to as the IGA Amendment Bill, was introduced to Parliament in late 2016 following the 2015 O’Farrell Review into Illegal Offshore Wagering. Its purpose was to strengthen the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA) by closing loopholes that previously allowed offshore online casinos and poker sites to legally target Australian players.
When the legislation came into force in September 2017, it marked a significant shift in the regulation of online gambling in Australia. Under the new framework, offshore operators providing services such as online roulette, online pokies, blackjack, and digital poker rooms to Australian residents faced heavy fines and enforcement action from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).
Importantly, the IGA Amendment Bill targets operators rather than players. Australians who choose to access international gambling sites do not face legal penalties, although many of the largest casino brands withdrew from the Australian market after 2017. Despite this, a few reputable offshore online casinos continue to accept Australian players, carrying the legal risk themselves. For players, the key is to choose safe online casinos with strong licensing, clear terms, and reliable payment systems.
Land-Based vs Online Gambling in Australia
- Land-based casinos and pokies: Fully legal and licensed under state legislation.
- Online casinos and pokies: Banned for domestic operators; accessible offshore at player’s own risk.
- Sports betting and lotteries: Legal online and offline when licensed by state regulators.
Online vs Offline Gambling Laws in Australia
Gambling in Australia is regulated very differently for land-based casinos and online casinos. Offline casinos, pubs, and betting outlets operate legally under the Casino Control Act 2006 and state legislation, offering table games like blackjack, roulette, baccarat, poker, as well as pokies, keno, lotto, and scratchies. Licensed venues must follow strict rules on operations, responsible gambling, and player protection. Iconic venues such as Crown Casino, Star City, and Jupiters Casino exemplify fully regulated gambling spaces.
In contrast, online casinos are banned in Australia. Operators cannot legally provide real-money pokies, poker, roulette, or other casino games to Australians, and advertising these services to residents is prohibited. There is currently no regulatory body issuing online casino licenses, so offshore platforms that continue to service Australian players carry the legal risk themselves.
| Feature | Offline Casinos | Online Casinos |
| Legal Status | Fully licensed and regulated under the Casino Control Act 2006 and state laws | Banned from operating in Australia; offshore operators risk fines |
| Games Offered | Table games: blackjack, roulette, baccarat, poker; pokies, keno, lotto, scratchies | Online pokies, poker, roulette, live dealer games; offered via offshore platforms |
| Licensing | State and federal licenses required; strict compliance with regulations | No Australian licensing framework exists; operators carry all legal risk |
| Advertising | Legal within approved guidelines for each venue | Prohibited from targeting Australian residents |
| Innovation & Game Variety | Limited variety; slow adoption of electronic tables and live dealer options | Wide range of variants (European, American, French Roulette, Multi-Wheel), live dealer games, and flexible betting limits |
| Player Protection | On-site monitoring, responsible gambling tools, staff oversight | Tools may exist on offshore sites; less regulated in Australia |
| Access | Physical attendance required | Playable online from anywhere via offshore platforms |
Future of Online Gambling in Australia
The landscape of online gambling in Australia continues to evolve as digital gaming grows in popularity. Many experts argue that the strict ban on online casinos and online pokies has pushed Australian players toward offshore gambling sites, where regulation is limited and risks are higher. This has sparked discussions around potential reforms to the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA), including licensing and regulation for domestic online casino operators. Legalisation could also provide a new source of tax revenue for the government.
While no formal proposals or timelines have been announced, calls for updated legislation remain. In the meantime, Australians who wish to play online pokies, roulette, blackjack, or other casino games should carefully vet offshore platforms, ensuring they choose safe online casinos with reliable security, transparent terms, and responsible gambling tools to protect their experience.
