Gambling Laws in Australia: Legal Betting Guide 2026

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For example, land-based pokies can operate under state approval in pubs, clubs, or casinos, while online casino pokies offered to Australians are treated very differently under federal law. This multi-level system means a gambling product may be permitted in one setting but restricted in another. In recent years, ACMA has actively blocked access to many offshore casino and betting domains. At the federal level, the Australian Communications and Media Authority—better known as ACMA—plays a major role in enforcing online gambling rules.
Sports betting and racing wagering may be offered online by properly licensed Australian operators, subject to strict rules. The amendment clarified that gambling services offered to Australians generally require an appropriate Australian licence where the service is permitted. Before those reforms, some overseas operators argued they were operating in a grey area because they were licensed offshore but not specifically licensed in Australia. Online gambling, particularly interactive casino-style games, is heavily influenced by federal legislation. Australian gambling legislation is split between federal law and state or territory regulation. If you need advice about your own legal position, speak with a qualified Australian legal professional.
The use of cryptocurrency for online wagering was recently prohibited following amendments to the Interactive Gambling Act. Additional litigation involving alleged breaches of the AML/CTF Act is on foot against other casino and betting licensees at the time of writing. Failure to comply with the AML/CTF Act, including by not maintaining a compliant AML/CTF Program, and not filing TTRs and/or SMRs (or filing them late), can result in large civil penalties and possible criminal exposure. The NSER, which operates under the name ‘BetStop’, commenced operations in August 2023.
What does all of this mean if you’re the person actually using one of these sites? ACMA reports that the Federal Court imposed a $5 million pecuniary penalty on Diverse Link Pty Ltd (default judgment on 23 March 2023) and confirmed that Jones and Brisbane Poker provided unlawful prohibited interactive gambling services. For online poker enforcement, Australian Communications and Media Authority v Jones (No 6) FCA 1477 is the most important recent decision. Triggers include providing prohibited interactive gambling services (online casinos, online casino payid withdrawal australia slots, in-play sports betting), providing unlicensed regulated interactive gambling services, or publishing ads for such services in Australia. ACMA can request ISPs to block websites to disrupt illegal online content under Telecommunications Act 1997 (Cth) section 313. Offshore brands that continue to accept cryptocurrency deposits from Australian users are now operating in a zone of heightened enforcement risk, and consumers using such sites face the full set of recovery problems that come with unlicensed operators. Australia now restricts both “credit” in a broad sense and specific payment instruments.
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. Each of Australia’s eight mainland states and territories separately regulates gambling activities within each of their respective jurisdictions. Unlike other jurisdictions, sweepstakes models which involve redemptions outside the platform are not operated in this jurisdiction (at least in any overt manner).
And for this, thousands of Aussies who want to play pokies on their PCs or phones turn to international casino sites that accept them. Although it’s safe to say that RTPs are typically lower than what you’ll get online, they are also regulated. Since you’re reading this, I assume you’ve probably heard of (or visited) SkyCity Adelaide, The Star Sydney, or the Crown resorts. The fact that land-based casinos and betting sites operate under the strict oversight of state regulators gives players a reassuring sense that, whatever happens, they are protected. This restriction is designed to ensure players cannot gamble with funds they do not own. The Australian federal government issued a credit card ban with the Interactive Gambling Amendment (Credit and Other Measures) Bill 2023, which came into effect in June, 2024.
Operators must block prohibited services and comply with anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing laws. It allows certain services, like sports betting and lotteries, while prohibiting unlicensed real-money online casinos. Operators must meet strict compliance standards to maintain their licenses. For example, the Northern Territory Gambling Commission is a key licensing authority, overseeing many online platforms that serve Australian players. Each state and territory issues licenses and monitors compliance.
ACMA operationalises this by publishing a register of licensed interactive wagering service providers, which is the practical reference point for whether any specific site is operating legally in Australia. Payment and advertising controls have tightened since 2017, including a national credit card and digital currency ban for online wagering that commenced on 11 June 2024. Consumers can still access illegal offshore services, but they face high risks and limited recourse. The IGA makes it illegal for providers to offer certain interactive gambling services to people in Australia.