Australian gambling laws
Are online casinos legal in Australia?
Australia’s interactive-gambling rules are detailed and the answer can depend on the type of service and how it is offered. This page is a general information guide, not legal advice.
The short answer
Under Australia’s interactive-gambling framework, online casino-style gambling services—including online pokies and casino table games—are generally prohibited from being provided to customers in Australia. The rules focus on services offered to people in Australia, including services operated from overseas.
Online casino games and wagering are not the same thing
Australian gambling regulation distinguishes between casino-style games and certain online wagering services. Sports and racing wagering may be offered by licensed providers subject to applicable Australian and state or territory rules. That does not mean online casino games, online pokies or live online casino products are permitted in the same way.
Rules may also differ for land-based venues, lotteries, keno and state-based gambling products. Do not assume that a product is lawful or safe merely because gambling is legal in some form in a state or territory.
What does the Australian Government regulate?
The Interactive Gambling Act framework sets national rules for interactive gambling. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is responsible for enforcing parts of that framework. Its actions can include investigations, formal warnings, civil-penalty action and requests to internet service providers to block access to prohibited services.
For current examples of enforcement activity, consult the ACMA’s online-gambling investigations page. The official sources should take priority over statements made in advertisements, on forums or by a website operator.
What this means for consumers
A website being accessible from Australia is not proof that it is permitted to provide online casino services to Australians. It is sensible to be cautious about sites that make broad claims about legality, ask for personal documents or urge fast deposits. Online gambling can also create financial and wellbeing risks even where a form of gambling is lawful.
Australia has restrictions on using credit cards and certain credit-related products for online wagering, and these restrictions are separate from the rules for online casino-style services. Read our credit-card gambling-ban guide for a general overview.
Check current information
Gambling law and enforcement can change. For an individual legal question, obtain advice from a qualified Australian lawyer or an appropriate official body. This site does not recommend or link to gambling operators.