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AU

Is Gambling Legal in Australia?

Prohibited
Gambling is legal and tightly regulated; land-based gambling is widespread, while online gambling is restricted to licensed operators with strict enforcement against illegal sites.
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    Key Information Highlights Legislation Timeline Requirements Sources

    Key Information

    Last Update 2025
    Regulatory Authority Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA)
    License Cost Varies

    Regulation by Activity Type

    Casinos Prohibited
    Online Casinos Prohibited
    Betting Prohibited
    Online Betting Prohibited
    Lotteries Prohibited
    Poker Prohibited

    Highlights

    • Australia regulates gambling at both federal and state/territory levels, with each state responsible for licensing and enforcement.
    • The Interactive Gambling Act 2001 prohibits most forms of online casino gaming but allows licensed online sports betting and lotteries.
    • Land-based casinos, betting shops, and gaming machines are legal and strictly regulated by state authorities.
    • Recent reforms grant regulators increased enforcement powers and higher penalties, especially in Western Australia and New South Wales.
    • A National Consumer Protection Framework sets minimum standards for online gambling harm minimization across all jurisdictions.
    • Taxation of gambling varies by state and product type, with significant revenue generated from gaming machines and wagering.
    • Major reforms to gambling advertising and cashless gaming are scheduled for implementation between 2024 and 2025.
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      Legislation

      Primary Legislation

      Australia’s gambling legal framework is based on a combination of federal and state/territory legislation. The primary federal law governing gambling is the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (Cth), which prohibits the provision of certain interactive (online) gambling services to persons in Australia and establishes the regulatory structure for online gambling at the national level. In addition, each state and territory has its own suite of legislation that regulates land-based gambling activities, including casinos, gaming machines, betting, lotteries, and other forms of gambling. These include, for example, the Casino Control Acts, Gaming Machine Acts, and Betting Acts specific to each jurisdiction. Recent reforms in jurisdictions such as Western Australia have modernized and strengthened local gambling laws, aligning them with national strategies and increasing enforcement powers for local regulators. The legal framework is further supported by national policy initiatives, such as the National Consumer Protection Framework for Online Wagering and the National Policy on Match-Fixing in Sport, which set minimum standards and collaborative measures across all jurisdictions.

      Regulatory Authority

      Oversight of gambling in Australia is divided between federal and state/territory authorities. At the federal level, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is responsible for enforcing the Interactive Gambling Act and regulating online gambling services. Each state and territory has its own regulatory authority responsible for licensing, compliance, and enforcement of gambling laws within their jurisdiction. Examples include:
      • New South Wales: NSW Independent Casino Commission and Liquor & Gaming NSW
      • Victoria: Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission
      • Queensland: Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation
      • Western Australia: Gaming and Wagering Commission of Western Australia
      • South Australia: Consumer and Business Services (Liquor and Gambling Commissioner)
      • Tasmania: Tasmanian Liquor and Gaming Commission
      • Australian Capital Territory: ACT Gambling and Racing Commission
      • Northern Territory: Northern Territory Racing Commission
      These regulatory bodies are responsible for overseeing compliance with both state/territory-specific legislation and, where relevant, national standards and policies.

      License Types

      Overview of Gambling Licensing in Australia

      Australia operates a complex, state and territory-based gambling licensing system. There is no single national gambling license; instead, each state and territory regulates and issues licenses for gambling activities within its jurisdiction. The main types of gambling licenses cover land-based casinos, sports betting, wagering, lotteries, gaming machines, and certain online gambling services. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) oversees compliance with federal laws for online gambling, but licensing remains at the state and territory level.

      Types of Gambling Licenses

      • Casino Licenses: Issued by state and territory regulators for operating land-based casinos. Each casino license is typically exclusive or limited in number within a jurisdiction.
      • Wagering and Sports Betting Licenses: Required for bookmakers and totalisators offering betting on racing and sports events. Both retail and online wagering are licensed at the state/territory level.
      • Gaming Machine (Pokies) Licenses: Separate licenses for venues (hotels, clubs) to operate electronic gaming machines. Casino licenses also cover gaming machines on casino premises.
      • Lottery Licenses: Cover the operation of lotteries, scratch cards, and keno. Typically, these are long-term, often exclusive, state-based licenses.
      • Online Gambling Licenses: Limited to certain forms such as online sports betting and lotteries. Online casino and poker licenses are not issued due to federal restrictions.

      Application Process

      • Applicants must submit detailed applications to the relevant state or territory regulatory authority.
      • The process involves rigorous probity checks, including background checks on company directors, major shareholders, and key staff.
      • Applicants must provide comprehensive business plans, financial statements, operational policies, and responsible gambling frameworks.
      • Public consultation or community impact assessments may be required, especially for new casino or gaming machine licenses.
      • For online wagering, applicants must demonstrate robust IT security, anti-money laundering measures, and compliance with advertising and consumer protection standards.

      License Duration and Renewal

      • License terms vary by type and jurisdiction:
        • Casino licenses: Typically issued for 10–25 years, with some exclusivity periods.
        • Wagering and sports betting: Usually 5–10 years, renewable upon meeting regulatory requirements.
        • Gaming machine venue licenses: Often annual or multi-year, subject to ongoing compliance.
        • Lottery licenses: Can be 10–40 years, often exclusive.
      • Renewal requires continued compliance with all regulatory obligations, satisfactory performance in audits, and payment of renewal fees.

      Eligibility Criteria

      • Applicants must be registered entities in Australia or have a registered Australian subsidiary.
      • All directors, major shareholders, and key employees must pass probity and background checks.
      • Applicants must demonstrate financial stability and the capacity to meet ongoing financial obligations.
      • Operators must have robust responsible gambling policies and procedures in place.
      • Technical systems must meet prescribed standards for fairness, security, and integrity.

      Licensing Costs and Financial Requirements

      • Costs vary significantly by license type and jurisdiction:
        • Casino licenses: Application fees can range from AUD 100,000 to several million dollars. Ongoing annual fees and regulatory levies apply.
        • Wagering and sports betting: Application fees typically range from AUD 10,000 to AUD 100,000, with annual fees based on turnover or fixed rates.
        • Gaming machine licenses: Venues pay per-machine licensing fees, which may be several thousand dollars per machine annually.
        • Lottery licenses: Application and annual fees are substantial, often negotiated as part of exclusive license agreements.
        • Online wagering: Similar to land-based wagering, with additional IT and compliance costs.
      • Applicants may be required to provide financial guarantees, bonds, or proof of sufficient capital reserves.
      • Ongoing regulatory fees, compliance costs, and contributions to responsible gambling funds are standard requirements.

      Key Requirements for Obtaining and Maintaining a License

      • Strict adherence to responsible gambling measures, including self-exclusion programs and player protection tools.
      • Regular reporting to regulators on financial performance, compliance, and incidents.
      • Implementation of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing controls.
      • Technical certification of gaming equipment and software.
      • Cooperation with regulatory audits and investigations.
      • Immediate notification to regulators of any significant changes in ownership, management, or business operations.

      Summary Table: Main License Types and Features

      License Type Duration Application Fee (Approx.) Annual Fee Eligibility
      Casino 10–25 years AUD 100,000–Millions High, varies by state Probity, financial, operational
      Sports Betting/Wagering 5–10 years AUD 10,000–100,000 Turnover/fixed Probity, financial, IT
      Gaming Machines Annual/multi-year Varies Per machine Venue suitability, probity
      Lottery 10–40 years Negotiated Negotiated Exclusive, financial, operational
      Online Wagering 5–10 years Similar to land-based Similar to land-based IT, probity, responsible gambling

      Gambling Tax

      Taxation Basis for Gambling Operators in Australia

      Australia’s gambling taxation system is primarily administered at the state and territory level. The basis for taxation varies according to the type of gambling operation and the jurisdiction. The most common bases for taxation are:
      • Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR): Many states tax operators based on the difference between amounts wagered and amounts paid out as winnings.
      • Turnover: Some gambling activities, particularly wagering and betting, may be taxed on the total amount wagered (turnover) rather than net revenue.
      • Other Specific Arrangements: Certain products, such as lotteries and gaming machines, may have unique tax structures or rates.

      Tax Rates for Different Types of Gambling Operations

      Type of Gambling Tax Basis Typical Tax Rates (Range) Notes
      Casinos GGR / Turnover 10% – 30% of GGR Rates and structures vary by state; may include fixed and variable components
      Sports Betting & Wagering GGR / Turnover 5% – 20% of GGR or 0.5% – 2% of turnover Point of Consumption Taxes (POCT) apply in most states; rates differ per jurisdiction
      Lotteries Turnover / GGR Varies widely (often 10% – 40% of turnover) Lotteries often subject to higher rates; exclusive licensees may have bespoke arrangements
      Gaming Machines (Pokies) GGR 10% – 65% of GGR Rates depend on venue type (clubs, hotels, casinos) and state
      Keno GGR / Turnover 10% – 20% of GGR or turnover Varies by state and operator
       

      Prohibited Individuals

      Age Restrictions and Identification Requirements

      • The minimum legal age for gambling in Australia is 18 years. This applies to all forms of gambling, including casinos, betting shops, gaming machines, and online gambling.
      • Operators are required to verify the age and identity of players before allowing participation. This typically involves checking government-issued identification documents such as a passport or driver’s license.
      • Strict Know Your Customer (KYC) processes are mandated, especially for online gambling, to prevent underage gambling and to comply with anti-money laundering regulations.

      Prohibited Activities and Game Restrictions

      • Online casino games, including online slots and table games, are prohibited for Australian residents. Only online sports betting and lotteries are permitted under strict regulation.
      • In-play (live) online sports betting is prohibited; bets must be placed before an event starts if done online. In-play bets can only be placed via telephone or in person.
      • Unlicensed offshore gambling operators are strictly prohibited from offering their services to Australians. The government actively blocks and penalizes such operators.
      • Some states and territories impose additional restrictions on certain gaming machine types and betting limits, especially in venues outside casinos.

      Advertising and Marketing Limitations

      • Gambling advertising is subject to extensive restrictions, including mandatory warnings about the risks of gambling and the promotion of responsible gambling services.
      • Advertising must not target minors or appear in media where a significant proportion of the audience is under 18.
      • There are strict controls on the timing and placement of gambling advertisements, particularly during live sports broadcasts and children’s programming.
      • Bonuses and inducements to open new accounts or refer friends are heavily restricted or banned in many jurisdictions.
      • Upcoming reforms are expected to further tighten advertising rules, including potential bans on certain types of inducements and more prominent harm minimization messaging.

      Responsible Gambling Requirements and Player Protection Measures

      • All gambling operators must provide access to self-exclusion programs, allowing players to voluntarily ban themselves from gambling venues and online platforms.
      • Mandatory display of responsible gambling information and helpline contacts in all gambling venues and on digital platforms.
      • Operators must offer tools for players to set deposit, loss, and time limits on their gambling activities, particularly online.
      • Regular staff training in recognizing and responding to problem gambling is required for all gambling venues.
      • Some jurisdictions require the use of pre-commitment systems for gaming machines, enabling players to set spending limits before play.
      • Cashless gaming systems are being introduced in certain states, such as New South Wales and Tasmania, to enhance monitoring and control over gambling behavior.

      Geographic and Location Restrictions

      • Land-based casinos and gaming venues are only permitted in designated locations, subject to state and territory regulations.
      • Some states limit the number and location of gaming machines, with stricter controls in regional or high-risk areas.
      • Online gambling operators must not accept bets from jurisdictions where their services are not licensed or permitted.
      • Access to gambling services is restricted in certain public spaces and near schools or child-centric venues.
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        Timeline

        Year/Date Event
        1906 First state-based gambling legislation introduced in Australia (New South Wales Betting and Gaming Act).
        1956 Legalization of poker machines (pokies) in New South Wales, setting a precedent for other states.
        1973 First legal casino opens in Australia: Wrest Point Casino in Tasmania, following the Casino Control Act 1968 (Tas).
        1985 Establishment of the first state lottery, the New South Wales Lotteries Act, expanding regulated gambling options.
        1998 Interactive Gambling Act (IGA) 2001 is drafted and debated, responding to the rise of online gambling.
        2001 Interactive Gambling Act 2001 comes into force, prohibiting the provision of certain online gambling services to Australian residents.
        2017 Amendments to the Interactive Gambling Act strengthen enforcement against illegal offshore operators and clarify the prohibition of in-play betting online.
        2023 Murphy Report on gambling reform is published, recommending significant changes to advertising and harm minimization.
        2025 Planned reforms to gambling advertising rules are delayed, with further regulatory changes expected in response to the Murphy Report.

        Requirements

        Software Certification and Technical Standards

        • All gambling software and gaming equipment must be independently tested and certified by accredited laboratories to ensure compliance with Australian technical standards and fairness requirements.
        • Technical standards cover random number generator (RNG) integrity, payout percentages, game fairness, and system security.
        • Software updates, patches, or modifications require re-certification before deployment in the live environment.
        • Operators must ensure that all systems are capable of generating detailed logs and audit trails for regulatory inspection.
        • Gaming systems must be able to prevent unauthorized access, manipulation, or tampering with game outcomes or financial data.

        Data Protection, Privacy Measures, and Server Location

        • Operators are required to implement robust data protection measures in line with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), ensuring the security and confidentiality of customer data.
        • Personal and financial information must be encrypted both in transit and at rest, using industry-standard cryptographic protocols.
        • Access to sensitive data must be restricted to authorized personnel, with detailed access logs maintained for auditing purposes.
        • Servers hosting gambling operations, including backup and disaster recovery systems, must be located in jurisdictions approved by Australian regulators, often within Australia or in locations that meet equivalent data protection standards.
        • Operators must have documented data breach response procedures and must notify authorities and affected individuals in the event of a notifiable data breach.

        Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) Procedures

        • Operators must implement comprehensive AML programs in accordance with the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act, including ongoing risk assessments and transaction monitoring.
        • KYC procedures require the verification of customer identity before allowing gambling activity, including age, identity, and source of funds checks.
        • Enhanced due diligence is required for high-risk customers and transactions, including politically exposed persons (PEPs) and large or suspicious transactions.
        • Operators must maintain records of all customer identification and verification documents, as well as transaction histories, for a minimum period as specified by law.
        • Suspicious matters must be reported to the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) promptly, using secure electronic reporting channels.

        Financial Reporting, Auditing Standards, and Record-Keeping

        • Operators are required to maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records, including all bets, payouts, and customer account balances.
        • Regular financial audits must be conducted by independent, qualified auditors to ensure compliance with regulatory and accounting standards.
        • Operators must submit periodic financial and operational reports to the relevant state or territory gambling authority, detailing revenue, player activity, and compliance status.
        • Comprehensive records, including system logs, player transactions, and financial data, must be securely stored and readily available for regulatory inspection for a legally mandated retention period.
        • Systems must be capable of generating real-time reports on key metrics, including turnover, win/loss ratios, and suspicious activity alerts.

        Technical Implementation Requirements for Responsible Gambling Tools

        • Operators must integrate responsible gambling tools into their platforms, including self-exclusion mechanisms, deposit and loss limits, and reality checks.
        • Systems must allow players to set daily, weekly, or monthly limits on deposits, losses, and playing time, with immediate enforcement of such limits.
        • Self-exclusion features must be accessible, effective, and communicated clearly to players, with the ability to enforce exclusions across all operator platforms and linked venues.
        • Operators must display responsible gambling information prominently, provide access to support resources, and implement pop-up reminders for prolonged play sessions.
        • Technical systems must be capable of detecting and blocking attempts to circumvent responsible gambling measures, and must maintain records of all responsible gambling interactions and interventions for regulatory review.

        Sources

        Primary Regulatory Authorities

        State and Territory Regulatory Authorities

        Legislation Resources

        Contact Information for Primary Regulatory Authorities

        • Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA): Phone 1300 850 115 | Contact Form
        • Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC): Phone 1300 182 457 | Contact Page
        • Liquor & Gaming NSW: Phone 1300 024 720 | Contact Page
        • Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (QLD): Phone 13 QGOV (13 74 68) | Contact Page
        • Consumer and Business Services (SA): Phone 131 882 | Contact Page
        • Gaming and Wagering Commission of WA: Phone 61 8 6551 4888 | Contact Page
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          Important Information Notice

          Gambling regulations are subject to change. The information provided on this page was accurate at the time of publication, but may not reflect the current regulatory landscape. Always consult official sources for the most up-to-date information before making any gambling-related decisions.

          Last updated: 16 July 2025