This includes supervising local gambling venues, providing operator licenses, and ensuring operators comply with the rules. This means Aussies can enjoy regulated gambling services both in person and online. Australian Gambling Laws are in place to keep gambling fun and safe for Australians. For example, in New South Wales or Queensland, pokies can be found in pubs or casinos, whereas in Western Australia, pokies are only allowed in the Crown Perth Casino. Since each state or territory manages its own laws, players need to be aware this may impact what types of gambling are available, how they are accessed, and what protections are offered. The act aims to shield customers from addiction, financial strain, and social repercussions caused by irresponsible gambling. Australia has a range of safeguards designed to minimize the risk of addiction and potential harm for those who wish to participate in online gambling. The ACMA collaborates with international regulators on this and can block or blacklist sites that are in breach of the IGA’s rules. It monitors gambling services, investigates complaints, and enforces compliance when necessary. States regulate and license all land-based gambling such as lotteries, pokies, and casinos. That means you’re free to play and win real money at offshore online casinos. The IGA aims to prevent online casinos from operating within the country rather than regulating the actions of Australian players. Let’s be clear about one thing, while online sports betting is legal in Australia, online casinos are not. This act lays down the rules for operators that provide or promote gambling services online. As mentioned earlier, each state and territory determines its own gambling regulations. Although federal laws create the basic rules for gambling in Australia, it’s mainly local regulators that make sure specific laws are followed. There are also various subordinate legislative instruments, including regulations, which have not been included. For completeness, it is worth noting that, to a lesser extent, local government bodies in most states and territories also regulate gambling from a local government and town planning perspective, but typically only as it relates to gaming machines and their operation within the relevant municipal district. 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. There are many pieces of legislation that are incidental to gambling activity (for example, legislation setting the applicable gambling tax rates). For completeness, the authors note that the list of gambling- related legislation below is not an exhaustive list. Set out below is a list of the primary legislation governing gaming, betting, lotteries and social/skill arrangements for each Australian state/territory, as well as at the federal level. 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. Similarly, a skill game with no element of chance is also not considered gambling and does not require any licence, unless it is operated online and falls within certain ‘interactive gaming’ regimes regulated by state and territory gambling regulators. Bingo is often regarded as minor gaming and may be conducted for fundraising or charitable purposes, typically by a community or other not-for-profit organisation. Corporate Bookmakers typically also offer ‘totalisator-derivative’ or ‘tote odds’ type betting. Corporate Bookmakers offer fixed-odds betting online and over the telephone on sport, racing and other approved events, whereas On-course Bookmakers offer fixed-odds betting on-course and, subject to approval, also over the telephone and in some instances online on similar events as a Corporate Bookmaker. 2.1 What regulatory licences, permits, authorisations or other official approvals (collectively, "Licences") are required for the lawful offer of the Relevant Products to persons located in your jurisdiction? Loads of pokies and other games by many different providers, including live dealers and exciting game shows. There has been significant growth in this area with various business models implemented (including ‘membership-style’ businesses) which have been investigated by regulatory authorities and are the subject of litigation in the SA. At the time of writing, casino licensees in NSW and Qld have been deemed unsuitable to hold the licences issued in those jurisdictions. 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. The use of digital currencies (including cryptocurrency) for gambling purposes is not common in the jurisdiction and, in the case of online wagering and betting, was expressly prohibited following amendments to the Interactive Gambling Act in 2024. Each area is subject to the broader regulations under the IGA—which plays a crucial role in licensing and regulating operators—but each jurisdiction operates independently. By enforcing the rules, blocking illegal operators, and protecting player rights, it ensures that the thrill of online casinos stays within a secure and legal environment. It must also ensure player protection by providing clear information on how games work (including odds and payouts), secure transactions, and age verification measures. Players in South Australia are free to enjoy many gambling activities including pokies and table games at the world-class SkyCity Adelaide Casino and online casinos. This legislation prohibits unlicensed online casinos from offering real-money gambling to Australians, and the ACMA has the power to block such sites, ensuring a safer digital environment for AU players. This authority not only sets the rules but also ensures that operators who wish to serve Australian customers meet the highest standards of compliance. Under the AML/CTF Act, certain gambling activities are classified as ‘designated services’ and, as such, reporting entities are required, among other things, to register with AUSTRAC, develop and maintain a compliant AML/CTF Program and report certain transactions to AUSTRAC, including by way of TTRs and SMRs. 2.8 How do any AML, financial services regulations or payment restrictions restrict or impact on entities supplying gambling? Included in this are restrictions at a state and territory level in relation to gambling advertising and also inducements to open an account and, in some jurisdictions, to gamble or to gamble more frequently. 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. In addition, that licensee currently pays the state a tax of 21.25% of its gross gaming revenue from table games and 31.57% of its gross gaming revenue from gaming machines in respect of regular players, together with a 1% community benefit levy. State and territory taxation on casinos is determined on a case-by-case basis (typically during negotiations with the relevant state or territory government at the time). Separately, the CCA imposes penalties for, amongst other things, misleading and deceptive conduct (including through advertising).
