Australia is a nation with a deep-seated love for a “flutter.” From the Melbourne Cup to local footy tipping, gambling is woven into the social fabric. However, as the digital age has transformed how we place bets, the legislative landscape has had to move at lightning speed to keep up. Navigating the legalities of online gambling in Australia can be complex, as it involves a blend of federal oversight and state-specific regulations.
Whether you are a casual punter or looking to understand the industry’s compliance standards, here is the definitive guide to the online gambling laws in Australia for 2025.
The Backbone: The Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA)
The primary piece of legislation governing the online space is the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA). Administered by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), the IGA’s primary goal is to protect the Australian public from the harmful effects of certain types of gambling.
Under the IGA, it is strictly illegal for any operator—whether based in Australia or overseas—to offer “prohibited interactive gambling services” to someone physically located in Australia.
Prohibited services include:
- Online Casinos: This includes digital slot machines (pokies), roulette, blackjack, and other table games.
- In-Play Sports Betting: While you can bet on a game before it starts, “live” or “in-play” betting via an app or website is prohibited once the event has commenced.
- Unlicensed Services: Any service that does not hold a valid Australian state or territory license is illegal.
What IS Legal? Licensed Wagering Services
While online casinos are off-limits, Australia has a robust and legal online wagering market. If a provider is licensed by an Australian state or territory (such as the Northern Territory Racing and Wagering Commission), they can legally offer:
- Sports Betting: Fixed-odds betting on sports like AFL, NRL, tennis, and cricket.
- Racing: Betting on horse, harness, and greyhound racing.
- Lotteries: Online sales of lottery tickets and keno (under specific licenses).
2024–2025: A Year of Massive Reform
The gambling landscape in 2025 is significantly different from five years ago. Several key reforms have been implemented to enhance consumer protection.
1. BetStop: The National Self-Exclusion Register
Launched as part of the National Consumer Protection Framework, BetStop allows Australians to ban themselves from all licensed online wagering services across the country in a single click. Once registered, it is illegal for a provider to accept a bet from you or send you marketing materials.
2. The Ban on Credit Cards
As of mid-2024, the Australian Government officially banned the use of credit cards for online gambling. This move was designed to prevent punters from “betting with money they don’t have.” This ban extends to digital wallets if they are linked to a credit card.
3. Real-Time “Know Your Losses” Statements
Under the Interactive Gambling Amendment (Know Your Losses Activity Statement) Bill 2025, licensed operators are now moving toward displaying real-time win/loss data. This ensures players are constantly aware of their financial position during a session, rather than waiting for a monthly email.
State vs. Federal: Who Makes the Rules?
While the Federal Government (ACMA) handles the IGA and overarching online prohibitions, the individual States and Territories manage the actual licensing and “on-the-ground” rules.
- Victoria (VGCCC): Recently introduced mandatory carded play for physical machines, a trend that is influencing online “pre-commitment” discussions.
- New South Wales: Has implemented strict rules regarding the placement of ATMs near gaming areas and increased the number of Responsible Gambling Officers.
- Northern Territory: The “hub” for most major corporate bookmakers (like Sportsbet or Ladbrokes) due to its historical licensing framework.
| Regulatory Body | Jurisdiction | Primary Focus |
| ACMA | Federal | Online Prohibitions & Offshore Blocking |
| VGCCC | Victoria | Integrity & Harm Minimisation |
| Liquor & Gaming NSW | New South Wales | Casino & Venue Compliance |
| NTRWC | Northern Territory | Corporate Bookmaker Licensing |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it legal for me to play at an online casino in Australia?
No. Under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001, online casinos (including pokies and table games) are illegal to offer to Australian residents. While you personally may not be prosecuted for playing, these sites are unregulated in Australia, meaning you have zero legal protection if the site refuses to pay out your winnings.
2. Why can I bet on sports online but not play poker?
Australian law distinguishes between “wagering” (sports/racing) and “gaming” (casino games/poker). Wagering is seen as a licensed service that can be regulated, whereas online “gaming” is considered a higher risk for addiction and is therefore prohibited under federal law.
3. What is BetStop and how does it work?
BetStop is the National Self-Exclusion Register. It is a free service where you can exclude yourself from all 150+ licensed Australian online wagering providers for a period ranging from 3 months to a lifetime.
4. Can I use my credit card to top up my betting account?
No. As of 2024, the use of credit cards and credit-linked digital wallets for online wagering is banned in Australia to encourage responsible gambling and prevent debt accumulation.
5. Is “In-Play” betting legal in Australia?
It is illegal to place a bet “in-play” or “live” via an app or website. However, you can still place live bets over the phone or in person at a retail outlet (like a TAB).
6. Are offshore gambling sites safe?
Generally, no. Because they operate outside Australian law, they do not follow the National Consumer Protection Framework. If you have a dispute with an offshore site, the ACMA and Australian ombudsmen cannot help you recover your funds.
7. What are “Activity Statements”?
These are mandatory reports that your betting provider must send you. They clearly outline how much you have spent, how much you have won, and your net win/loss position over a specific period (usually monthly).
8. Is gambling advertising going to be banned?
As of late 2025, there is a strong bipartisan push for a phased ban on gambling advertising. While a total “blanket ban” is still being debated in Parliament, there are already strict rules prohibiting ads during children’s programming and live sports broadcasts during certain hours.
9. Who do I complain to if a betting site treats me unfairly?
If the provider is Australian-licensed, you should first lodge a complaint with them. If it remains unresolved, you can escalate it to the relevant state regulator (like the NTRWC or VGCCC) or the ACMA.
10. Can I bet on “Fantasy Sports” legally?
Yes. Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) are generally legal in Australia, provided the operator holds a valid Australian Sports Bookmaker license, as they are categorized under wagering services.
