Legal Info for AU Casino Players: Is Online Gambling Legal in Australia? 2026
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. Are there any specific licensing or operational requirements for operators accepting digital currencies (including cryptocurrencies)? In addition, a number of Corporate Bookmakers have recently been required by AUSTRAC to appoint independent auditors to assess their AML/CTF compliance, with one subsequently entering into an enforceable undertaking with AUSTRAC. Included in this are restrictions at a state and territory level in relation to gambling advertising and also inducements to open an account and, in some jurisdictions, to gamble or to gamble more frequently. All gambling-related licences issued by a state or territory are subject to strict requirements relating to responsible gambling and harm minimisation. This is a departure from the previous ‘point of supply’ regime, under which states and territories derived no betting tax revenue from Corporate Bookmakers and other licensed betting operators taking bets online in the relevant jurisdiction.
Casinos are generally subject to periodic Licence reviews (often every five years). In the case of lotteries, aside from Tas (which operates under renewable five-year permits linked to Victorian and Queensland licences) and WA (where lotteries are owned and operated by the state), the expiry dates are generally shorter than in relation to Retail Wagering; however, they still range between 2024 and 2072. In relation to wagering and betting, apart from the NT (where the licences expire in 2035) and WA (where Retail Wagering and betting is operated by the state), the expiry dates of current Retail Wagering Licences are also similarly long-dated and range between 2044 and 2100.
The state and/or territory taxes that apply to gambling products depend upon the relevant licence under which the product is being offered, the type of product and also the jurisdiction in which the product is offered. Hotels and clubs are permitted to provide approved gaming machines in the licensed premises. 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. Casino licences provide that casinos are only permitted to offer casino games and gaming machines to patrons present within the casino. 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. Gaming machine permits/licences have typically been perpetual in Australia, other than in certain states such as Vic, which operate for 20 years from August 2022 onwards. Various states (including NSW and Vic) have implemented harm minimisation measures to cap the number of gaming machine permits/licences on issue in certain lower socio-economic areas.
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. Compliance obligations ensure casinos operate responsibly, provide adequate consumer protections, and participate in ethical business conduct. By doing so, the government of Australia ensures casinos provide a safe and fair gambling experience for residents. The licensing and regulation of online gambling operators in Australia are designed to promote responsible gambling activities and to protect players from harm.
Under the AML/CTF Act, certain gambling activities are classified as ‘designated services’ and, as such, reporting entities are required, among other things, to register with AUSTRAC, develop and maintain a compliant AML/CTF Program and report certain transactions to AUSTRAC, including by way of TTRs and SMRs. The NSER, which operates under the name ‘BetStop’, commenced operations in August 2023. By way of example, in Vic, where average revenue per gaming machine is greater than AUS $12,500 per month, the tax rate is 60.67%. State and territory taxes on gaming machine revenue are complicated and vary significantly. Finally, the sole casino licensee pays an additional casino ‘super tax’ based on gross gaming revenue, which increases depending upon gaming revenue levels, with a maximum tax payable of 20%. By way of example, putting aside a federal company tax of either 25% or 30% on profits and a goods and services tax (GST) of 10% on gross revenue, the sole casino licensee in Vic paid a multi-million-dollar licence fee to the state for the right to operate the only casino.
Our top rated casinos operate offshore under trusted licenses, offering Aussie players secure and legal gaming options with generous bonuses up to AU$10,000 + 300 free spins. 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. 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 Trustworthy Australian online casinos jurisdictions. At the time of writing, casino licensees in NSW and Qld have been deemed unsuitable to hold the licences issued in those jurisdictions. AUSTRAC has also recently commenced the first prosecution of a prominent licensed club group for alleged breaches of the AML/CTF Act related to its operation of gaming machines. 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.
Here are some of the specific ways in which gambling laws and regulations differ by Australia’s states and territories. 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. In addition to federal gambling laws each state and territory has its own set of laws, and regulators who supervise online and land-based gambling activities. The act aims to shield customers from addiction, financial strain, and social repercussions caused by irresponsible gambling. The NCPF is the result of a collaborative effort between the states/territories and the federal government.
Some states may also restrict the types of promotions and bonuses offered by a casino. Obligations for licensed operators include adherence to consumer protection laws, responsible gambling measures, and regular reporting to government regulators. Operators who violate compliance obligations could face hefty fines, license suspensions or cancellations, and/or potential blacklisting from offering their services. Once a casino obtains a license, it is required to abide by a strict legal framework that includes policies covering everything from responsible gambling activities to advertising. Here, you’ll find pokies in pubs and clubs, and you can also participate in sports betting according to Tasmanian gambling laws.
This guide explains how to check each factor and what warning signs indicate problematic operators. While we never condone illegal gambling, we understand that some of you are going to play at offshore destinations regardless, which is why our featured brands are the safest options available. These questionable online casinos mimic legitimate destinations through sophisticated web design that resonates legitimacy through their appearance but, in actuality, are predatory websites. Before the new bill became law, the online casinos in this guide were premium options available to Aussie punters. Our AU gambling site reviews discuss each site’s options, including the various banking methods accepted, welcome offers, user experience, and much more. If finding an AUD-friendly online casino destination is important to you, then check the banking suite to determine which currencies are initially accepted for depositing money into your player account.