Online Casino Australia - Real Money Online Pokies

This is the final article in our five-part series on online casinos in Australia. If you’ve read the previous posts, you now understand the legal framework, how to assess an operator’s safety, where to find responsible gambling support, and how payments work. This article brings those threads together into a practical decision-support guide.

The goal here is not to recommend any particular casino. It is to give you a realistic, honest framework for making your own informed decision — including being clear about the risks involved.

The Legal Landscape: What “No Domestic Licence” Means for You

As explained in Post 1 of this series, the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 makes it illegal for operators to offer online casino games to people in Australia. No operator holds a domestic Australian licence to provide online casino services. This is not a technicality or a grey area — it is the current law.

What this means in practice is that every online casino accessible to Australian players is either operating under an offshore licence from a jurisdiction like Malta, the UK, or Curaçao, or operating with no licence at all. Neither category falls under Australian consumer protection law.

Evaluating Bonus Offers: Reading the Fine Print

Bonuses are the most common marketing tool used by online casinos to attract new players. Welcome offers, deposit matches, free spins, and cashback promotions can appear generous on the surface. But their real value depends entirely on the terms attached to them — and those terms are where many players get caught out.

Wagering requirements (also called playthrough or rollover requirements) are the most important number to understand. A wagering requirement tells you how many times you must bet the bonus amount (and sometimes your deposit as well) before you can withdraw any winnings derived from it. A 30x wagering requirement on a $100 bonus means you must place $3,000 in bets before anything becomes withdrawable. At a 35x or 40x level, the required turnover climbs rapidly.

Bonus vs. bonus-plus-deposit: Some casinos apply the wagering multiplier only to the bonus funds, while others apply it to the bonus and your deposit combined. This distinction can double the amount you need to wager. A “20x” requirement applied to bonus plus deposit on a $100 deposit with a $100 match bonus means wagering $4,000, not $2,000. Always check which calculation applies.

Other conditions to scrutinise include: time limits (bonuses that expire in seven days are far harder to clear than those with 30 or 90 days), game contribution weightings (slots typically count 100% toward wagering, while table games may count 10% or nothing), maximum bet limits while a bonus is active, and maximum cashout caps that limit how much you can withdraw from bonus winnings regardless of how much you actually won.

Game Selection, Software Providers, and Fairness

The range and quality of games available at an online casino depend largely on which software providers supply the platform. Established providers such as Microgaming, NetEnt, Evolution Gaming, Pragmatic Play, and Play’n GO have their games independently tested and certified by recognised laboratories (as discussed in Post 2). Casinos that partner with well-known providers are generally more transparent about game fairness than those using unknown or proprietary software.

Return to Player (RTP) is a useful metric when evaluating games. RTP represents the theoretical percentage of total wagered money a game returns to players over millions of rounds. An RTP of 96% means that, on average, $96 is returned for every $100 wagered over the long term. This is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any individual session, but it provides a basis for comparison between games.

Be aware that some casinos offer “adjusted” RTP versions of popular games. A slot that runs at 96.5% RTP from one operator may run at 94% from another, because the provider allows operators to choose from a range of RTP settings. If RTP information is not clearly published on the casino’s website or within the game itself, that is a transparency concern.

Customer Support and Dispute Resolution

The quality of an operator’s customer support is often invisible until you need it — and by then, your money is already on the platform. Before depositing, it is worth testing the support channels.

Look for: live chat availability (ideally 24/7 or during hours that cover Australian time zones), a clearly published email address, and response times that are reasonable (a quick test message before signing up can reveal a lot). If a casino has no live chat, no visible email, and only a generic contact form, that is a significant red flag.

Dispute resolution is where licensing jurisdiction matters most. Operators licensed by the UKGC must participate in an approved alternative dispute resolution (ADR) scheme. MGA-licensed operators also offer formal complaint mechanisms. Curaçao’s reformed framework now requires ADR, though the system is still maturing. For unlicensed operators, there is effectively no independent recourse — if the casino decides not to pay, your options are extremely limited.

Independent review platforms can provide some insight into how an operator handles complaints, though they should be used with caution — some review sites have commercial relationships with the casinos they evaluate, which can influence how complaints are presented.

A Practical Checklist Before You Sign Up

If you’ve decided to use an online casino, the following checklist consolidates the key points from across this entire series. It is designed to help you make a more informed, considered decision — and to ensure you’ve thought through the risks before committing any money.

No checklist eliminates risk entirely. Offshore online casinos operate outside Australian law, and using them comes with inherent uncertainties around consumer protection, dispute resolution, and fund security. The purpose of this checklist — and this entire series — is to ensure that if you choose to gamble online, you do so with your eyes open.

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only. It does not endorse, recommend, or rank any specific online casino, software provider, or gambling service. The information provided should not be treated as legal, financial, or professional advice. Gambling laws, operator practices, and bonus terms change frequently — always verify information independently before making decisions. If you are unsure about any aspect of online gambling, consult a qualified professional. Last reviewed: February 2026.

Show less ↑

Understanding how money moves in and out of an online casino is one of the most practical things you can do before signing up. Payment methods affect how quickly you can access winnings, what fees you’ll encounter, and how well your personal financial information is protected.

This article covers the most common payment methods available to Australian players, what to expect during the withdrawal process, potential hidden costs, the tax position on gambling winnings, and how to keep your financial data safe. It does not promote any specific casino, payment provider, or financial product.

Common Deposit Methods Available to Australians

The payment methods offered by an online casino depend on the operator, its licensing jurisdiction, and its banking relationships. That said, Australian players will typically encounter some combination of the following options.

Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) remain the most widely accepted deposit method. Deposits are usually processed instantly. However, it is worth noting that some Australian banks may decline transactions to offshore gambling sites, as these operators are prohibited under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. If a card transaction is blocked, it is your bank enforcing its own policies — not a technical error.

Bank transfers allow you to deposit directly from your Australian bank account. Processing times are typically one to three business days for deposits. While generally reliable, bank transfers offer less immediacy than card payments and may carry small processing fees depending on the operator.

E-wallets (Skrill, Neteller, and similar services) act as an intermediary between your bank and the casino. Deposits are usually instant. E-wallets can provide an additional layer of separation between your primary bank account and the gambling operator. However, they may charge transaction fees (typically 1–3%) and may not hold funds in Australian dollars, which introduces currency conversion costs.

Prepaid cards and vouchers (such as Paysafecard) allow you to deposit a fixed amount without providing bank or card details to the casino. This limits your exposure but also means withdrawals typically cannot be processed back to the same method.

Cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Ethereum, and others) is accepted by some offshore casinos. Transactions can be faster than traditional banking, but they introduce volatility risk — the value of your deposit or withdrawal may change between the time you send it and the time it’s credited. Cryptocurrency also carries additional regulatory and tax considerations (discussed below).

Withdrawal Processing: Timelines and Verification (KYC)

Depositing money into an online casino is almost always faster and simpler than getting it back out. Understanding the withdrawal process before you deposit is essential to managing your expectations.

Know Your Customer (KYC) verification is required by most licensed operators before they process your first withdrawal. This typically involves submitting proof of identity (passport or driver’s licence), proof of address (a recent utility bill or bank statement), and sometimes proof of payment method (a photo of your card or a screenshot of your e-wallet account). KYC exists to comply with anti-money laundering regulations and to verify that the person withdrawing is the account holder.

Withdrawal timelines vary significantly between operators and payment methods. E-wallets tend to be fastest (often within 24 hours once KYC is complete), while bank transfers and card withdrawals may take two to five business days. Some operators impose a “pending period” of 24 to 72 hours before a withdrawal request is even processed — a practice that can be frustrating and, in some cases, is designed to encourage you to reverse the withdrawal and continue playing.

Currency Conversion and Hidden Fees to Watch For

Many offshore online casinos do not operate in Australian dollars. If your account is denominated in USD, EUR, or another currency, you will incur conversion costs every time you deposit or withdraw. These costs come from two sources.

Exchange rate markups: The casino or payment processor may apply its own exchange rate, which can be less favourable than the mid-market rate. The difference is often 2–4% but is rarely disclosed prominently.

Double conversion: If you deposit AUD through an e-wallet that holds funds in USD, which then converts to EUR at the casino, you may be subject to two separate conversions — each with its own fee or markup. Over time, these costs erode your balance regardless of whether you win or lose.

Beyond currency conversion, other fees to be aware of include: inactivity fees charged on dormant accounts (sometimes after as little as 30 to 90 days), withdrawal fees levied per transaction or for exceeding a set number of free withdrawals per month, and minimum withdrawal thresholds that prevent you from cashing out small balances.

Are Gambling Winnings Taxed in Australia?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions among Australian players, and the answer for the vast majority is straightforward.

For recreational gamblers, gambling winnings are generally not taxable in Australia. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) treats gambling as a hobby or pastime — an activity based on luck rather than a systematic business operation. Under this view, winnings are considered windfall gains rather than assessable income. You do not need to declare occasional gambling winnings on your tax return, and you cannot claim gambling losses as deductions.

This position is supported by ATO Taxation Ruling IT 2655, which states that the winnings of a recreational punter are not assessable for tax purposes. Several court decisions, including Evans v. FCT and Babka v. FCT, have further established the factors the ATO considers when distinguishing hobby gambling from business gambling.

The exception: professional gambling. If the ATO determines that your gambling constitutes a business — based on factors such as frequency, systematic strategy, reliance on winnings as income, record-keeping, and a connection to the gambling industry — your winnings may be treated as assessable business income. In practice, this threshold is high and applies to very few individuals. Professional gamblers can also claim related expenses and losses as deductions.

Cryptocurrency and tax: If you gamble with cryptocurrency, the winnings themselves follow the same principles as above for recreational players. However, when you later sell, exchange, or convert cryptocurrency, Capital Gains Tax (CGT) rules may apply to any increase in value. This is an important distinction that casual players sometimes overlook.

Payment Security: Protecting Your Financial Information

Every time you provide financial details to an online casino, you are trusting that operator to handle your data securely. Given that many offshore casinos operate outside Australia’s consumer protection framework, taking personal responsibility for your payment security is essential.

Use a separate payment method. Consider using an e-wallet or prepaid card rather than your primary bank account or daily-use credit card. This creates a buffer between the casino and your core finances, limiting exposure if the operator’s security is compromised or if your account is accessed by an unauthorised party.

Check for SSL/TLS encryption. As discussed in Post 2 of this series, verify that any page where you enter payment details uses HTTPS encryption. Never enter financial information on a page that does not display the padlock icon in your browser’s address bar.

Enable two-factor authentication (2FA). If the casino offers 2FA on your account, enable it. This adds a second layer of verification (usually a code sent to your phone) when logging in or processing transactions, reducing the risk of unauthorised access.

Monitor your statements. Regularly check your bank or e-wallet statements for any transactions you do not recognise. Report any suspicious activity to your financial institution immediately.

Set deposit limits. Beyond responsible gambling, deposit limits also serve a financial security function — capping the amount that can leave your account in any given period. This is a practical safeguard against both impulsive spending and potential account compromise.

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Payment methods, fees, processing times, and tax rules are subject to change — always verify current terms directly with operators and consult a qualified professional for advice on your individual circumstances. Last reviewed: February 2026.

Show less ↑

Responsible Gambling in Australia: Tools, Limits, and Support Resources

Gambling is a common part of Australian life. For most people, it’s an occasional activity that stays within comfortable limits. But for some, gambling can gradually shift from entertainment to something that causes real harm — to finances, relationships, mental health, and daily functioning.

If you’re reading this because you’re concerned about your own gambling or someone else’s, you’re not alone. Nearly 50,000 Australians have registered with the national self-exclusion register since it launched in 2023, and thousands more access support services every year. Help is available, it’s free, and it’s confidential.

Understanding Problem Gambling: Warning Signs

Problem gambling doesn’t always look the way people expect. It isn’t limited to a particular type of person, income level, or game. It can develop gradually, and the person experiencing it may not recognise what’s happening until the consequences become significant.

Some patterns that may indicate gambling is becoming harmful include: spending more time or money on gambling than originally intended; returning to gamble in an attempt to recover previous losses (sometimes called “chasing losses”); feeling restless, irritable, or anxious when not gambling or when trying to cut back; borrowing money, selling possessions, or neglecting financial obligations to fund gambling; lying to family, friends, or colleagues about the extent of gambling; withdrawing from social activities, hobbies, or responsibilities that were previously important; and experiencing persistent thoughts about gambling that interfere with concentration or sleep.

Gambling Help Online offers a free, anonymous self-assessment tool on its website that can help you reflect on your gambling habits privately and at your own pace.

Self-Exclusion Options: BetStop and State-Based Schemes

BetStop — the National Self-Exclusion Register is an Australian Government initiative launched on 21 August 2023. It is the tenth and final measure of the National Consumer Protection Framework for Online Wagering. BetStop allows anyone to exclude themselves from all Australian-licensed interactive wagering services — both online and phone-based — in a single step.

Registration is free and takes approximately five minutes. You’ll need a mobile phone number, an email address, and either an Australian driver’s licence or a Medicare card. Once registered, all licensed wagering providers (approximately 150) are required to close your existing accounts, refund any credit balance, prevent you from opening new accounts, and stop sending you marketing material.

You can self-exclude for a minimum of three months and up to a lifetime. You can extend your exclusion at any time, but you cannot reduce the period. After the initial three-month minimum, you may apply to be removed from the register, though this is a deliberate process with safeguards built in.

State and territory schemes: BetStop covers licensed online and phone wagering services, but it does not extend to land-based venues (such as pubs, clubs, or physical casinos) or to illegal offshore operators. Each Australian state and territory operates its own self-exclusion programs for physical venues. For example, Victoria offers the Gambler’s Help venue self-exclusion program, while NSW offers self-exclusion through GambleAware and licensed venues. These programs operate independently of BetStop and require separate registration.

Important limitation: BetStop does not apply to offshore online casinos that operate illegally in Australia (as discussed in Posts 1 and 2 of this series). If you are using an unlicensed service, BetStop cannot block your access. This is one of the significant consumer protection risks associated with using unregulated operators.

Deposit Limits, Time-Outs, and Reality Checks

Beyond self-exclusion, responsible gambling tools built into individual platforms can help you manage your activity in less drastic ways. These tools are increasingly required by regulators and form part of the National Consumer Protection Framework.

Deposit limits allow you to set a maximum amount you can deposit into your account over a given period (daily, weekly, or monthly). Reputable operators allow you to decrease your limit immediately, while any request to increase a limit is subject to a mandatory cooling-off period — typically 48 to 72 hours — to prevent impulsive decisions.

Session time limits let you set a maximum duration for a gambling session. When the time expires, you are logged out or prompted to take a break.

Reality checks are periodic notifications that appear during play, reminding you of how long you’ve been gambling and how much you’ve spent. They provide a moment to pause and make a conscious decision about whether to continue.

Activity statements provide a record of your deposits, withdrawals, bets, wins, and losses over a defined period. Reviewing these statements can provide clarity that in-the-moment gambling rarely offers. Licensed Australian wagering providers are required to make activity statements available to customers.

None of these tools are a substitute for professional support if you’re experiencing genuine difficulty. But they can be a useful first step in establishing healthier boundaries around gambling activity.

Free Support Services Available in Australia

Australia has a well-established network of free, confidential support services for anyone affected by gambling. These services are available to the person gambling, their family members, friends, and colleagues. You do not need to be in crisis to reach out.

Each state and territory also operates local gambling support services. In Victoria, Gambler’s Help provides free face-to-face counselling and financial counselling across metropolitan, regional, and rural areas. In NSW, GambleAware offers counselling and multilingual support. In Queensland, Gambling Help Queensland provides free phone, online, and in-person services. Your GP can also refer you to a psychologist or counsellor under a Mental Health Treatment Plan, which entitles you to Medicare-subsidised sessions.

How Friends and Family Can Help

Gambling harm rarely affects only the person gambling. Partners, family members, and close friends often bear significant emotional and financial consequences. If you’re worried about someone’s gambling, there are steps you can take — while also looking after yourself.

Start with a conversation. Choose a calm, private moment. Express concern without blame or judgement. Focus on specific behaviours you’ve observed rather than making broad accusations. Phrases like “I’ve noticed” and “I’m worried about” tend to be more effective than “You always” or “You need to stop.”

Know what support is available. All of the national services listed above are available to family and friends, not just to the person gambling. Gambling Help Online has a dedicated section for people supporting someone else, including guidance on how to manage your own wellbeing during what can be a difficult time.

Protect your finances. If gambling is affecting shared finances, consider speaking to a financial counsellor through the National Debt Helpline (1800 007 007) for confidential, independent advice.

Look after yourself. Supporting someone through gambling harm can be emotionally taxing. You don’t have to do it alone. Carer Gateway (1800 422 737) offers counselling, peer support, and practical assistance for people supporting someone with an addiction or harmful behaviour.

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical, psychological, or clinical advice. If you are in crisis, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or call 000 in an emergency. The helpline numbers and service details in this article were verified in February 2026 — please confirm current availability directly with the listed services. Last reviewed: February 2026.

Show less ↑

With over 1,450 illegal gambling websites blocked by Australian regulators since 2019, the gap between legitimate and illegitimate online casinos is wide — but not always obvious. Unlicensed operators can look professional, offer attractive promotions, and appear entirely credible at first glance.

This guide is designed to help you evaluate an online casino’s legitimacy before you deposit any money. It does not recommend or endorse any specific operator. Instead, it gives you the knowledge to make that assessment yourself.

Why Licensing Matters for Australian Players

A gambling licence is the single most important indicator of whether an online casino operates under regulatory oversight. A licensed operator is legally bound to meet specific standards around fairness, security, responsible gambling, and financial transparency. An unlicensed one is bound by nothing.

As outlined in Post 1 of this series, no operator holds a domestic Australian licence to offer online casino games. The Interactive Gambling Act 2001 prohibits this. What this means in practice is that any online casino accessible to Australian players is operating under an offshore licence — or, in many cases, no licence at all.

This is a critical distinction. The quality and rigour of offshore licences varies enormously. A casino licensed by a strict European regulator offers a very different level of player protection compared to one operating from an unregulated or poorly regulated jurisdiction. Understanding these differences is essential before you hand over any personal or financial information.

Key Licensing Jurisdictions and What They Regulate

Three offshore licensing jurisdictions appear most frequently among online casinos that accept Australian players. Here is what each one means in terms of player protection.

UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) — Widely regarded as the world’s strictest gambling regulator. Operators must verify player identity before any gambling takes place, hold player funds in segregated accounts, comply with detailed responsible gambling and anti-money laundering requirements, and participate in formal alternative dispute resolution (ADR). The UKGC publishes a searchable public register where you can verify any operator’s licence status, including whether any disciplinary actions have been taken.

Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) — One of the most respected regulators internationally, the MGA requires operators to implement mandatory deposit limits, maintain anti-fraud measures, submit games for independent fairness testing, and participate in player compensation schemes in the event of operator insolvency. The MGA maintains a licence search tool on its official website.

Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA) — Curaçao underwent a significant regulatory overhaul in 2024. The new National Ordinance on Games of Chance (LOK), which took effect in December 2024, replaced the previous sub-licence system with direct licensing through the newly established CGA. The reformed framework introduces KYC requirements, responsible gambling obligations, and dispute resolution procedures. However, Curaçao’s standards remain generally less stringent than those of the UKGC or MGA, and players should exercise additional caution with operators licensed solely in this jurisdiction.

Security Features to Look For (SSL, RNG Audits, Data Protection)

Beyond licensing, several technical security features indicate whether an online casino takes player protection seriously. None of these features alone guarantees safety, but their absence should raise immediate concerns.

SSL/TLS encryption — Any legitimate casino will use SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) or its successor TLS to encrypt data transmitted between your browser and the casino’s servers. You can verify this by checking for the padlock icon in your browser’s address bar and confirming the URL begins with “https”. This protects your personal and financial data from interception.

RNG (Random Number Generator) certification — Fair online casino games rely on certified random number generators to ensure outcomes are genuinely unpredictable. Independent testing laboratories such as eCOGRA, iTech Labs, Gaming Laboratories International (GLI), and BMM Testlabs audit these systems. eCOGRA, founded in 2003 and headquartered in the UK, is accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and has conducted over 500 compliance reviews. Look for certification seals in a casino’s footer or on its “Fair Play” page — and verify them by clicking through to the testing lab’s website.

Published payout reports — Some casinos publish monthly or quarterly payout percentage reports audited by independent testing labs. These reports show the average return to player (RTP) across game categories. While not universal, their presence indicates a commitment to transparency.

Data protection policies — A reputable operator will clearly state how your personal data is collected, stored, and used. Look for a detailed privacy policy that references relevant data protection standards. Operators licensed in European jurisdictions (UKGC, MGA) are typically subject to GDPR requirements.

Red Flags: How to Spot an Unsafe Operator

Not every online casino that appears in search results or advertisements is legitimate. The following warning signs should prompt caution — or avoidance entirely.

ACMA has consistently warned that even if a service looks legitimate, it is unlikely to have important customer protections if it is operating illegally. Australians who use such services risk losing their money with no practical way to recover it.

Responsible Gambling Tools Every Safe Casino Should Offer

Regardless of jurisdiction, any casino that takes player welfare seriously will provide a meaningful set of responsible gambling tools. These are not optional extras — they are minimum expectations for any operator claiming to be safe.

Deposit limits — the ability to set daily, weekly, or monthly caps on how much you can deposit. Reputable operators allow you to lower limits immediately, while increases are subject to a cooling-off period.

Session time limits and reality checks — notifications that alert you to how long you’ve been playing or how much you’ve spent during a session.

Self-exclusion — the option to temporarily or permanently block yourself from the platform. For Australian-licensed wagering services, the national self-exclusion register BetStop (betstop.gov.au) provides a single-step exclusion from all licensed providers. Offshore casinos may offer their own self-exclusion mechanisms, but these are not connected to BetStop.

Access to support resources — visible links to gambling help services, including the Australian National Gambling Helpline (1800 858 858) and Gambling Help Online (gamblinghelponline.org.au).

If an online casino does not offer these tools, or makes them difficult to find, that is a strong signal that player welfare is not a priority.

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only. It does not endorse, recommend, or rank any specific online casino or gambling operator. The information provided should not be treated as legal or financial advice. Laws, licensing frameworks, and operator practices change — always verify information independently before making decisions. Last reviewed: February 2026.

Show less ↑

If you’ve searched for information about online casinos in Australia, you’ve likely encountered conflicting claims. Some websites suggest it’s perfectly fine to play, while others warn of harsh penalties. The reality is more nuanced than either position suggests, and understanding the law starts with a single piece of Commonwealth legislation: the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.

This article explains the legal framework as it stands, who it targets, and what it means for you as an individual. It is general information only and should not be treated as legal advice. If you need guidance on your specific situation, consult a qualified legal professional.

The Interactive Gambling Act 2001 — Key Provisions

The Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (Cth) is the primary Commonwealth legislation governing online gambling in Australia. It was introduced to limit the harmful effects of gambling on the Australian community, and it has been amended several times since its enactment — most notably in 2017 and again in 2023.

Under the Act, it is illegal for operators to provide certain interactive gambling services to people physically located in Australia. These prohibited services include online casino-style games such as roulette, blackjack, poker, and pokies (slot machines). Any game of chance, or mixed chance and skill, played over the internet falls within this prohibition when offered to someone in Australia.

The law applies to all operators — whether they are based in Australia or offshore, and whether they are Australian-owned or foreign-owned. Maximum penalties for operators are significant: up to $360,000 per day for individuals involved in the operation, and up to $1.8 million per day for the corporate entity.

 What’s Legal for Australian Players vs. Operators

This is the distinction that causes the most confusion. The Interactive Gambling Act targets operators, not individual players. There is no offence under the Act for an Australian resident who accesses an online casino. The legislation was deliberately designed this way — its regulatory focus is on the supply side of the market, not the demand side.

However, the absence of a criminal offence for players does not mean there are no consequences. The Australian Government’s own guidance warns that people who use illegal offshore services risk losing their money with very limited recourse. These services operate outside Australia’s consumer protection framework, meaning that if an operator refuses to return a deposit or pay out winnings, there is little that Australian authorities can do to help.

ACMA’s Role in Enforcement and Website Blocking

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is responsible for enforcing the Interactive Gambling Act. Since 2017, ACMA has taken an increasingly active role in identifying and acting against illegal online gambling providers targeting Australians.

ACMA’s enforcement toolkit includes several mechanisms. The authority can issue formal warnings to operators, accept enforceable undertakings, issue remedial directions, refer matters to the Australian Federal Police or the Director of Public Prosecutions, and — crucially — request that Australian internet service providers (ISPs) block access to illegal gambling websites.

The website blocking scheme has been in operation since November 2019 and has been used extensively. As of early 2026, ACMA has requested ISP blocks on over 1,450 illegal gambling and affiliate websites. Approximately 220 additional illegal operators have voluntarily withdrawn from the Australian market since stricter enforcement began in 2017.

ACMA also maintains a public register of licensed interactive wagering service providers. If you want to verify whether a particular service is authorised to operate in Australia, this register is the definitive source.

Recent Legislative Changes and What They Mean

The Interactive Gambling Act has evolved since 2001, and several amendments are particularly relevant to the current landscape.

2017 — Interactive Gambling Amendment Act: This was the most significant overhaul. It tightened regulations around online sports betting, banned in-play betting over the internet (telephone-only exceptions apply), imposed stricter advertising rules, prohibited operators from offering credit for online wagering, and gave ACMA expanded enforcement powers including the website blocking scheme.

2019 — National Self-Exclusion Register: Legislation enabled the creation of BetStop, a national self-exclusion register that allows individuals to exclude themselves from all Australian-licensed interactive wagering services in a single step. BetStop became operational and has been enforced by ACMA, with sanctions issued against licensed operators who have breached self-exclusion obligations.

2023 — Credit and Other Measures: The Interactive Gambling Amendment (Credit and Other Measures) Bill 2023 further tightened provisions around the use of credit and digital currencies for interactive wagering services. A subsequent Senate committee review recommended the government examine the regulation of keno-type lotteries, and those findings are being considered.

It is worth noting that despite periodic discussion about potential reform, there has been no indication from the Australian Government that it intends to legalise domestic online casino operations. The current framework remains firmly in place.

Where to Find Official Legal Resources

Given the volume of misleading information online, it is important to rely on official sources. The following resources provide authoritative, up-to-date information on Australia’s interactive gambling laws:

Federal Register of Legislation — the full text of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 and all amendments is available at legislation.gov.au.

ACMA — the regulator’s website (acma.gov.au) contains information about enforcement actions, the licensed operator register, complaint forms, and consumer guidance.

Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts — the department publishes policy information and discussion papers relating to interactive gambling regulation.

BetStop — the National Self-Exclusion Register is available at betstop.gov.au for anyone who wants to exclude themselves from licensed wagering services.

 Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws and regulations change — always verify information against current legislation or consult a qualified legal professional for advice on your specific circumstances. Last reviewed: February 2026.

Show less ↑