Australian Gambling Laws Explained: What You Need to Know

Australia has one of the highest rates of gambling participation in the world, a fact that has shaped a complex and highly protective regulatory environment. For players and operators alike, navigating the legal landscape can be challenging because authority is split between federal legislation and state-level controls.

As of late 2025, the industry is undergoing some of its most significant shifts in decades. From a total ban on credit card use for online betting to the rollout of the national self-exclusion register, BetStop, the focus has shifted firmly toward harm minimisation. This guide breaks down the essential laws you need to know to stay compliant and safe.

The Dual Layer of Regulation

In Australia, gambling is not governed by a single “rulebook.” Instead, it operates under two distinct layers:

1. Federal Law: The Commonwealth government, primarily through the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA), regulates online gambling and communications. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is the “sheriff” of the digital space, focusing on blocking illegal offshore sites.
2. State and Territory Law: Each of the eight states and territories has its own regulatory body. These agencies handle the licensing of physical venues (casinos, pubs with “pokies”), lotteries, and the specific operational requirements for bookmakers.

1. Online Gambling: The Interactive Gambling Act (IGA)

The IGA is the cornerstone of online gambling law. Its primary goal is to limit the availability of high-risk “interactive” gambling to Australians.

• What is Legal: You can legally place bets online on sports, horse racing, and harness racing, provided the operator is licensed in an Australian state or territory. Online lotteries are also generally legal.
• What is Illegal: The IGA strictly prohibits online casinos (slots/pokies, blackjack, roulette, etc.) and online poker. It also bans “in-play” or live betting via the internet; while you can bet on a game before it starts online, any bets placed after the whistle must be made over the phone or in person.

2. Recent Reforms (2024–2025)

The last 18 months have introduced “flagship” reforms designed to protect consumers from financial ruin.

• The Credit Card Ban: As of mid-2024, it is illegal for licensed wagering service providers to accept credit cards or credit-linked digital wallets for online betting. This ensures that Australians only gamble with money they actually have.
• BetStop – National Self-Exclusion: This is a free Australian Government initiative. By registering with BetStop, an individual is instantly blocked from all 150+ licensed online and phone wagering providers in the country. Operators are legally required to check this register before accepting any bets.
• Mandatory Identity Verification: Gone are the days of “bet now, verify later.” Operators must now verify a customer’s identity before they can place a single bet, a move designed to prevent underage gambling and money laundering.

3. State-Specific Regulators

If you are visiting a land-based casino or playing the pokies at a local club, the rules are set by your specific state:

In Western Australia, for example, regulations are notably stricter; you won’t find poker machines in local pubs—they are restricted solely to the Crown Perth casino.

4. Advertising Restrictions

You may have noticed a change in your TV and social media feeds. The Australian government has implemented phased restrictions on gambling advertisements. In 2025, there is a heavy focus on “blackout periods” during live sports broadcasts to protect children from exposure to betting odds. Many states have also banned static betting advertisements (billboards and posters) near schools and public transport.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it legal for me to play at an offshore online casino?

While it is illegal for an offshore casino to offer its services to Australians, it is generally not an offence for an individual player to use these sites. However, it is highly discouraged. Because these sites are unlicensed in Australia, you have zero legal protection if the site refuses to pay out your winnings or mishandles your personal data.

2. Why can’t I place a live bet online during a footy match?

Under the IGA, “interactive” live betting is seen as higher risk for impulsive gambling. To place a bet once a match has started, you must physically go to a TAB or call a bookmaker on the phone to speak with a human operator.

3. What should I do if a betting site won’t pay out my winnings?

If the site is licensed in Australia, you should first lodge a formal complaint with the operator. If that fails, you can escalate the matter to the state regulator that issued their licence (e.g., the Northern Territory Racing Commission for many major bookmakers like Sportsbet or Ladbrokes).

4. How does BetStop work?

BetStop allows you to self-exclude from all Australian licensed interactive wagering services for a period ranging from 3 months to a lifetime. Once registered, providers must close your accounts and stop all marketing material.

5. Are winnings from gambling taxed in Australia?

No. In Australia, gambling winnings are generally considered the result of “good luck” rather than a professional income. Therefore, you do not pay capital gains or income tax on your winnings. The government instead taxes the gambling operators.

6. Can I still use PayPal to fund my betting account?

Yes, but with a catch. You can use PayPal or other digital wallets only if they are linked to a debit card or a bank account. If your PayPal is linked to a credit card, the transaction will be blocked by the wagering provider to comply with the 2024 credit ban.

7. What are the “pokie” rules in New South Wales?

NSW has recently introduced “Responsible Gambling Officers” in venues with more than 20 machines. There are also new rules requiring ATMs to be located at least 5 metres away from gaming areas to create a “break in play.”

8. Is online poker legal in Australia?

Currently, no. The Interactive Gambling Act classifies online poker as a prohibited interactive gambling service. While some offshore sites still target Australians, they are doing so in violation of Australian law and are frequently blocked by the ACMA.

9. What is the minimum age for gambling in Australia?

The legal age for all forms of gambling in Australia is 18 years. This applies to casinos, sports betting, lotteries, and even entering gaming areas in pubs and clubs.

10. How can I tell if a betting site is legally licensed?

You can check the ACMA Register of licensed interactive gambling providers. Legal sites will also typically display the logo of an Australian state regulator (like the Victorian VGCCC or the NT Racing Commission) in the footer of their website.