Unlike many countries with a single central authority, Australia’s gambling market is governed by both Federal and State/Territory laws.
At the federal level, the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA) is the primary piece of legislation. It was designed to protect Australians from the harmful effects of certain types of online gambling. Interestingly, while it is legal for Australians to access licensed wagering services, the IGA actually prohibits many types of online gambling from being offered by companies within Australia.
What is Legal vs. Prohibited?
To understand how it works, you have to know what is allowed on your screen:
- Legal: Online sports betting, race wagering (horses, greyhounds), and standard online lotteries.
- Prohibited: Online “in-play” sports betting (betting on an event once it has started via the internet), online casinos (slots/pokies, blackjack, roulette), and online poker.
While “poker machines” (pokies) are a staple in physical pubs and clubs, you won’t find a legal, Australian-licensed online version of them.
How the Market Operates in 2025
The Australian market is one of the most valuable in the world. As of 2025, the industry is valued at approximately USD 5.5 Billion, with a shift toward mobile-first experiences.
Licensing and Regulation
For an online bookmaker to operate legally in Australia, they must hold a license from an Australian State or Territory regulator, such as:
- Northern Territory Racing Commission (NTRC): The most common licensing body for large “corporate bookmakers.”
- Liquor & Gaming NSW: Regulates activities within New South Wales.
- Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC): Oversees one of the strictest markets in the country.
The Role of the ACMA
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) acts as the “watchdog.” They maintain a register of legal providers and actively block illegal offshore gambling websites that attempt to target Australians without a license.
Player Protections: The National Consumer Protection Framework (NCPF)
Australia has pioneered several “harm minimisation” tools that are mandatory for all licensed operators. If you gamble online in Australia, you will interact with these systems:
- BetStop: The National Self-Exclusion Register. This allows a person to ban themselves from all licensed Australian online and phone wagering services in a single step.
- Mandatory Identity Verification: You cannot withdraw funds (and often cannot even deposit) until your identity is verified against government databases to ensure you are 18+.
- Activity Statements: Every month, users receive a clear “win/loss” statement to show exactly how much money they have spent.
- Standardised Messaging: You will notice taglines like “Chances are you’re about to lose” or “Imagine what you could be buying instead” on all advertisements.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is online gambling legal in Australia?
Yes, online gambling is legal, but only for specific categories like sports betting, horse racing, and lotteries. Online casinos (pokies and table games) are prohibited from being offered to people in Australia under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
2. Do I have to pay tax on my gambling winnings?
No. In Australia, gambling is viewed as a hobby or a stroke of luck rather than an income-producing profession. Therefore, winnings are not subject to Capital Gains Tax or Income Tax.
3. What is BetStop?
BetStop is the National Self-Exclusion Register. It is a free government service that allows Australians to exclude themselves from all licensed online wagering providers for a period ranging from 3 months to a lifetime.
4. Can I bet on a live game while it is happening?
You can, but not via a website or app. Federal law prohibits “online” in-play betting. To place a bet on a live match (e.g., during the second half of an AFL game), you must physically call the bookmaker on the phone or go to a retail outlet.
5. Why can’t I find a legal Australian online casino?
The Australian government has banned online casinos to reduce the risk of problem gambling. While some offshore sites may accept Australian players, they are operating illegally and offer no consumer protection or legal recourse if they refuse to pay out winnings.
6. How do I know if a betting site is legal?
You should check the ACMA Register of Licensed Interactive Gambling Providers. Legal sites will always clearly display their Australian license information (often from the Northern Territory or a specific state) in the website footer.
7. What is the legal age for gambling in Australia?
The legal age for all forms of gambling in Australia is 18 years. Licensed operators use rigorous electronic verification systems to ensure players meet this age requirement.
8. Are credit cards allowed for online betting?
As of mid-2024, the Australian government implemented a ban on the use of credit cards for online wagering. Players must use debit cards, bank transfers, or other approved digital payment methods that utilize their own “cleared funds.”
9. What are “Activity Statements”?
These are monthly reports that licensed bookmakers are legally required to send to their customers. They provide a clear summary of total bets, total wins, and the net win/loss for that period, helping players keep track of their spending.
10. Where can I get help for gambling problems?
You can contact Gambling Help Online at 1800 858 858. It is a free, confidential service available 24/7 across Australia. You can also visit their website for live chat support and resources.
