Aussie Online Casino Legislation
Following growth in the online gambling sector, the Australian parliament created the Interactive Gambling Act (IGA), which stopped companies from 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 led to the online casinos & industry giants Microgaming and NetEnt withdrawing from all Australian regions, meaning that players cannot 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 also has the power to provide other international regulators with details about the prohibited gambling services.
Legal Forms of Gambling
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 at land-based casinos, including pokies, blackjack and poker. In the state of Victoria, Online Keno will be offered on Lottoland as of December 2022. Lottoland was been awarded a 20-year Keno license by the Victoria State Government in February of 2022. Offline gambling is legalized in each state, and Australian territories such as Queensland and Victoria also offer hotel gaming services.
Sports betting and the best online lotteries are legal in Australia. Currently, all forms of online gambling, excluding the ones mentioned earlier, are illegal within the borders of Australia.
Gambling Regulators in Australia
Like many other big countries, each Australian territory creates its 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.
Best Sports to Bet on in Australia
Hosting one of the largest betting populations, several sports betting options are offered in Australia, including local and international major leagues. Below we’ve listed the top 10 sports Aussies can place bets on.
- Australian Rugby;
- Australian Horse Racing;
- Australian Basketball;
- Australian Baseball;
- Australian Golf;
- Australian Cricket;
- Australian Tennis;
- Australian Motor Sports;
- Australian Soccer.
Find the Best Australian 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:
Dedicated Sportsbook Promotions
A good sportsbook should have a good selection of sports betting promotions from which Australian players can benefit. Promotions can range from welcome bonuses and rewards to weekly promotions and VIP programs. An example of these promos is:
- Cashback on betting losses;
- Free bets on sports events;
- Increased odds on bets.
Australian Sportsbook Payment Methods
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. Here are the best payment methods accepted to gamble in Australia.
Licensed Bookmakers in Australia
Top-rated online casinos and casino software providers like Playtech, NetEnt & Microgaming no longer accept Aussie players or offer Australian dollars as a currency option.
As these are no longer available online to you, here at CasinoTopsOnline can provide information on free games for Australian casino players, and free play on a wide selection of online pokies, 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.
Future for Casino Operators in Australia
The objective of the updated bill was 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 Casinos FAQs
Below we've answered some of our readers' frequently asked questions. Have a look for more information.
