Online gambling in Australia

Online gambling in Australia is regulated by the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (the IGA).  

The IGA makes it an offence to provide certain gambling services to a customer physically present in Australia via the Internet.  Exceptions exist for licensed services that provide online wagering, sports betting and lotteries.

Prohibited online gambling content under the IGA includes services that are often described as 'online casinos' and usually involve using the Internet to play games of chance, or games of mixed chance and skill with real money.  

The purpose of the IGA and any penalties are to target the providers of online gambling services, not potential or actual customers.

To learn more about the IGA and the regulation of online gambling in Australia follow this link to the website of the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) 

 

Which online gambling services are illegal?

It is illegal for gambling operators to promote or offer the following real money online gambling services in Australia:

• slots (pokies)
• casino-style games (like poker, blackjack and roulette)
• scratchies
• in-play betting on sporting events
• sports betting services that do not hold an Australian licence
• betting on the outcome of a lottery

Illegal online gambling sites may promote themselves as legitimate and legal in Australia, targeting Australian consumers by using images such as the Australian flag and native animals.

Before you use any online gambling services over the internet, make sure it is legal. 

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) provides a register of legal online gambling providers licensed by the Government to operate in Australia. 

Please click here to check if an online gambling operator is legal in Australia.

Please click here to see a list of illegal gambling websites currently blocked by ACMA for the provision of illegal content.

 

How to protect yourself from illegal online gambling

There are significant risks associated with using online gambling operators that are not licensed and regulated in Australia. 

Illegal online gambling services are hosted and operate offshore, where regulation may not be as stringent in terms of consumer protection. 

There is no guarantee against fraudulent practices and there may be little recourse if an illegal online service provider withholds your deposit or winnings.  

Please click here to find more information about how to protect yourself from illegal providers.

 

How do I make a complaint?

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) regulate the online gambling industry and investigate complaints from the public.  

If you believe that prohibited gambling activity is being offered over the Internet to people in Australia and have concerns, wish to make a complaint or wish to report such activity please access ACMA's  Interactive Gambling Complaint Form.  

To find out more about how ACMA enforce the rules and disrupt illegal offshore gambling please click on the link here.

If you wish to contact ACMA directly please call its Customer Service Centre on 1300 850 115