Gambling regulation in Australia explained: licences, regulator and what changes next
Regulation
Online casino games and online poker may not be offered to Australians; online wagering on sport and racing is licensed by the states and territories.
Licensing Structure and Scope
The Interactive Gambling Act defines the regulatory framework. Online casino games and online poker are prohibited from being offered to Australians. Online wagering on sport and racing requires licensing from individual states and territories. This distinction creates a split market structure. Operators must identify their product category before seeking approval. The table below outlines the specific status of each product type under current law. Compliance teams should verify their product mix against these definitions.
| Product | Status |
|---|---|
| Online casino | prohibited |
| Sports betting | licensed |
| Online poker | prohibited |
| Lottery | licensed |
Regulatory Authority and Enforcement
The Australian Communications and Media Authority serves as the primary regulator. ACMA enforces the statutory ban on specific online gambling products. The authority has blocked websites that fail to meet compliance standards. Operators must ensure their platforms adhere to these rules. For detailed tracking of regulatory changes, refer to the regulation tracker.
Payment Methods and Exclusion Tools
Credit cards are prohibited for use in online wagering transactions. This restriction applies to licensed wagering activities. BetStop functions as the national self-exclusion register. This tool allows individuals to restrict participation in online wagering. Suppliers must integrate these exclusion mechanisms into their platforms. The combination of payment restrictions and centralized exclusion tools shapes the operational environment.
Questions
Which products are banned for Australian players?
Online casino games and online poker are prohibited from being offered to Australians. Online wagering on sport and racing remains permitted under state licensing.
Who regulates online gambling in Australia?
The Australian Communications and Media Authority enforces the relevant laws. State and territory governments issue licenses for online wagering on sport and racing.
Can credit cards be used for betting?
Credit cards may not be used for online wagering transactions. This restriction applies to licensed wagering activities within the Australian jurisdiction.
Every figure on this page is computed by code from standard industry formulas and the facts of our regulation tracker, each checked a second way. See the methodology.