Australian Online Casino Legislation
Following growth in the online gambling sector, the Australian parliament created the Interactive Gambling Act (IGA), which set out to stop or limit companies offering casino games of chance to the Aussie public.
The bill was amended in 2016, as it previously did not restrict offshore online casinos (casinos regulated in the UK or Malta for example) from providing their services to Australia; and came into fruition in September 2017.
These changes also lead to the best online casinos & industry giants Microgaming and NetEnt withdrawing from all Australian regions, meaning that players are not able to access their wide variety of slots and online games for the time being.
The Australian government is focused on taking tougher action against illegal offshore wagering providers. With the recent amendment in place, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has the power to issue warnings, infringement notices, civil penalties, and injunctions. ACMA will also have the power to provide other international regulators with details about the prohibited gambling services.
What Are the Legal Forms of Gambling for Australian Casino Players?
Contrary to what the online gambling legislation may portray, Australia is considered a hotspot for land-based casinos. Australian players can play a wide selection of games including pokies, blackjack and poker at land-based casinos. Offline gambling is legalized in each state and Australian territory and some territories such as Queensland and Victoria also offer gaming services in hotels.
Sports betting and online lotteries are legal in Australia. Currently, all forms of online gambling, excluding the ones mentioned earlier, are illegal within the borders of Australia.
Who Regulates Gambling in Australia
Just like many other big countries, each Australian territory creates its own regulations and legislation. Below you can find out who regulates gambling within each territory:
- Australian Capital Territory – ACT Gambling and Racing Commission;
- Northern Territory – Licensing Commission;
- New South Wales – Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing;
- South Australia – Independent Gambling Authority;
- Queensland – Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation;
- Tasmania – Tasmanian Gaming Commission;
- Victoria – Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation;
- Western Australia – Department of Racing, Gaming and Liquor.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (AMCA) ensures that illegal iGaming products are not advertised in any way (offline and online) to Australian citizens.
Sports Betting in Australia
Currently, in-play sports betting cannot be offered to Australian players because of the Interactive Gambling Act which bans real money online interactive gambling activities. Similarly, land-based operators also are banned from offering in-play betting options to Australian punters. However, you can bet, offline or online, before a match starts.
Top 10 Sports to Bet on in Australia
Hosting one of the largest betting population, there are several betting opportunities offered in Australia including local and international major leagues. Below we’ve listed the top 10 sports Aussies can place bets on.
Australian Rules Football
Referred to as AFL or Aussie Rules, it is by far one of the most popular sports to follow and bet on in the country. AFL is not an easy sport to bet on, being such an intricate game, some sense of knowledge on the sport is recommended.
Rugby
Rugby is played in schools and universities across the country and with several major professional leagues each year including the National Rugby League, Super League, International Rugby League and Rugby World Cup, top online sportsbooks offer a range of betting opportunities to punters.
Horse Racing
The majority of online bets are placed on Horse Racing. With daily races from a substantial number of race clubs, the betting options on local events such as the Melbourne Cup are endless. Top bookmakers also offer Aussie punters the possibility to bet on international races including the Kentucky Derby, Dubai World Cup and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
Basketball
Over the last decades, Basketball has steadily become popular with Aussie punters. You can place bets on the National Basketball League (NBL), which runs from October to March every year and international basketball leagues such as the NBA.
Baseball
Over the years, baseball has garnered a lot of interest amongst Aussies. With the Australian Baseball League (ABL) taking place during Australia’s summer months, there is little conflict from other countries where baseball is popular such as America who would be experiencing winter. Aussie punters can also place bets on baseball matches happening globally, such as Korea Baseball Organisation, Nippon Professional Baseball Organization, and Liga Mexicana De Beisbol.
Golf
Hosting some of the most magnificent golf courses, it is no wonder that Golf is a popular sport in Australia. You can place bets on local tournaments including the Australian Open and Women’s Australian Open, Australian PGA Championship, Australian Masters and Ladies Masters. International leagues which are usually offered at top sportsbooks include The British Open, BMW PGA Championship, Dubai World Championship and the WGC-HSBC Champions.
Cricket
Another popular sport that top bookmakers offer is cricket. From the local Big Bash League to international leagues and tournaments such as the Indian Premier League and Pakistan Super League, Cricket provides plenty of betting opportunities to Australians.
Tennis
With some of the most well-known tennis professionals come from Australia and one of the four major Grand Slam events – the Australian Open, hosted in the country, it’s safe to say that Tennis deserves to be on this list. As an Aussie punter, you can place bets on local tournaments such as the Australian Open, ATP Cup and Canberra Challenger. International tournaments on which you can place bets include Wimbledon The US Open, The French Open and Davis Cup.
Motor Sports
If you are a fan of motorcycles and car races, you’ll be pleased to know that major sportsbooks offer betting options in all levels of motorsports racing such as Formula 1, Indy Lights, MotoGP, Super Formula, DTM and W Series.
Soccer
One of the most popular sports on the planet, soccer is also popular with Australians. Top online sportsbooks accept wagers on just about every professional soccer league both local, including A-League and the National Premier League, and on an international level, including the English Premier League, La Liga, the Bundesliga UEFA Champions League and the World Cup.
How to Find the Best Australian Online Sportsbook
So how do you find the best online sportsbook for you?
There are certain steps that we recommend that you follow to find the best and safest online sportsbook:
Sportsbook Licence
Always look for licensed sportsbooks. Unlicensed sportsbooks don’t follow any regulations and playing at such operators will leave you susceptible to being scammed.
Make sure that the online sportsbook accepts players residing in Australia. This is usually indicated in the operator’s terms and conditions or even in the sign-up process.
Online Sportsbook Betting Offerings
Check the sportsbook selection. A sportsbook that offers a wide variety of sports such as football, ice hockey, baseball and cricket.
Sportsbook Promotions
A good sportsbook should have a good selection of sports betting promotions that Australian players can benefit from. Promotions can range from welcome bonuses and rewards to weekly promotions and even VIP programs.
Customer Support
24/7 customer support is essential especially if the online sportsbook is based outside of your timezone. This ensures that you will get a reply to your query as quickly as possible. Customer support can usually be contacted via live chat, telephone, email, contact form and even social media.
Online Sportsbook Payment Methods
Have a look at the payments section and check that the sportsbook has a good withdrawal timeframe. Look out for sportsbooks that offer many payment options including cards and e-wallets. Some sportsbooks also accept payments in AUD.
Click on the icons below for more information on popular payment methods.
Best Ranked Australian Casino Bonuses
There is a plethora of online sportsbook bonuses offered to Australian players, from multi-bet offers to price boosts and match bonuses, to cashback bonuses and early payouts. We've listed the top 3 Australian Sportsbook offers currently available:
Online casinos are popular in Australia, but where are the best casinos to place your bets? Read our guide for the top three online casinos in Australia.
1. Gambino Slots - Up to 200 FS
Gambino Slots online casino has provided high-quality 3D video slots since 2015. They currently have over 100 slot games for Australian players with all levels of experience.
Gambino Slots is not a gambling casino; rather, it is a totally free online social casino. There is no exchange of money, and the focus is on fun, sociability, and friendships created through the game.
The casino is accessible on any device through their app and can even be played on Facebook. Gambino Slots specializes in five-reel machines with multiple paylines and exciting features like wild symbols.
- Payment methods accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Paypal.
- Support: Live chat, Email.
Full Gambino slots review.
2. Sportsbet Sports - 100% up to $501
Sportsbet Sports Casino is a top-rated online casino that specialises in Cryptocurrency. You can enjoy an array of exciting games from some of the industry’s best suppliers. Amateur and experienced players alike, will appreciate the selection of games available.
From slots to table games, gamers can enjoy old favourites like Blackjack, Poker and Roulette to name a few. These are also available as a live casino option.
- Payment methods accepted: Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, ecoPayz, Neteller, AstroPay, MuchBetter.
- Customer Support: Email, Live chat.
Full Sportsbet Sports review.
3. Bwin Casino - Up to $50
Bwin Casinos is a popular name in the online gambling industry. It is a trusted name and has a fantastic selection of over 400 of Australia’s favorite games. If you’re worried about fair play and security, Bwin has you covered with its seal of approval from eCOGRA, an organization that proves game outcomes are random.
The casino has a strong mobile presence and is optimized to function across different platforms. You can download the Bwin casino app on Android and iOS devices for free.
- Payment methods accepted: Bank transfers, Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, Paypal, ClickandBuy.
- Support: Email.
Full Bwin casino review.
Online Casinos in Australia
Top-rated online casinos and casino software providers like Playtech, NetEnt & Microgaming are no longer accepting Aussie players or offer Australian dollars as a currency option.
As these are no longer available online to you, here at CasinoTopsOnline can provide a comprehensive range of information on free; games Australian casino players and free play on a wide selection of online pokies, along with table games, video poker and even live dealer games which you can play in demo mode in our free play section. Here are some operators you should check out.
Ranking | Casino | Average Payout | Mobile Option | Free Play |
|---|
1 | Gambino Slots | 96.3% | Y | Y |
2 | Sportsbet Sport | 92.7% | Y | Y |
3 | Bwin Casino | 94% | Y | Y |
Unclear Future for Online Gambling Operators in Australia
The main goal of the updated bill is to provide players with a safer and more regulated experience. With the government focusing on cracking down on illegal online gambling to combat gambling addiction and protect problem and at-risk gamblers, it is quite likely that these restrictions will remain in place for the foreseeable future.
Australian Online Casinos FAQs
Below we've answered some of our readers' frequently asked questions. Have a look for more information.
