Licensed casinos undergo regular independent audits for fairness, integrate responsible gambling measures, implement safety protocols, and address player complaints. It includes provisions to ensure fairness, responsible gambling, and features to minimise harm. Our regulated casinos have been evaluated by industry experts and provide a broad selection of games, lucrative bonuses, and exceptional customer support. This is why it’s important to check the licensing information when choosing an online casino. As you’ve probably realised, choosing regulated casinos is important as they adhere to laws, providing you with a fair and secure gaming environment.
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.
Australia’s gambling scene is tricky, as each state and territory has its own control over gambling rules. Rob reviews new slots, tests casino sites, and ensures our content is accurate, transparent, and genuinely helpful. How to use Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies safely at Australian-friendly casino sites. How pokies work in Australia, the best games, legal tips, and where to play online. How to deposit, withdraw, and avoid hidden fees at Aussie online casinos in 2026. Even crypto-friendly or 'low KYC' casinos may request ID for large withdrawals or security checks. Australian authorities do not license online casinos for local players.
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.
In addition to the compulsory responsible gambling messages and warnings, it is an offence to advertise an inducement to open a betting account or to refer another person to open a betting account and, in some jurisdictions, to gamble or to gamble more frequently. With the exception of virtual/simulated racing (which is generally only offered in retail venues including hotels and clubs), this betting is generally offered at racecourses, retail venues, online and by telephone. Gaming machine and other equipment manufacturers, software developers and technical services suppliers selling products and/or services used for gambling-related activities typically have perpetual licences, which are often administrative in nature and remain on issue, subject to the payment of periodic fees. The number of gaming machines available in each state and territory is strictly regulated.
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.
Winz Excellent Aussie casino with no wagering required on all bonuses and free spins. Worried about the legal side of online casinos in Australia? ICLG's in-house editorial team carefully reviews and edits each chapter, updated annually, and audits each one for originality, relevance and style, including anti-plagiarism and AI-detection tools. 5.1 What (if any) intended changes to the gambling law/regulations are being discussed currently? In a land-based context, the Victorian regulator has been particularly active in targeting underage gambling in pubs and clubs in particular – a practice that is illegal in all Australian jurisdictions. At a federal level and in relation to anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing compliance, a large Australian gambling company paid a civil penalty of AUS $45 million to AUSTRAC in relation to admitted breaches of the AML/CTF Act.
Join our newsletter and get the lowdown on the latest pokies, top bonuses, and new casinos – no bluffing! Government authorities take a proactive approach to ensure compliance, meaning they conduct regular audits and monitor the behaviour of operators to make sure they’re following the law. RNGs ensure that outcomes of games like pokies or blackjack are always random and unpredictable.