Australia has one of the highest gambling rates in the world with more than 80% of the population regularly taking part in some type in some form of gambling. The regulatory climate for betting has always been quite favourable while the state and Federal governments have less embraced online gaming.
So, what does that mean for you when you are thinking of placing an online bet? Aussie online users are often unsure about the legality of gambling online, and governments has arguably more than enough influence on the industry. Current state and federal government laws and legislations surrounding online casino gambling and online sports betting are concentrated on how Australian online bookmakers run their business and determine which betting services they may and may not provide, as opposed to what online bettors are allowed to do with their own money.
In reality, the laws (which we will discuss later in this article) have minimal effect on individual recreational punters, however, they rather focus on restricting both local and foreign online casino operators from providing online gambling options to Australian residents.
Which Forms of Gambling Are Legal?
With the different state governments all looking at the betting laws Australia slightly differently, it’s become a complex question with multifaceted answers, however, to provide the most simple and important answer that you need to know;
- It is currently illegal for online casinos to access a license to offer services to Australian residents to place wagers at online casinos, online poker and bingo rooms, and;
- Online sports betting and racing sites are perfectly legal.
However, it’s not all black and white, and there are exceptions adding to the shades of gray of the online betting regulations; For example, live betting is deemed to be illegal over the internet in Australia (live betting is only available over the telephone in Australia).
To further complicate matters, some state governments have taken it upon themselves to muddy the waters even further.
In 2018 and 2019, the NSW State Government banned the advertising of all betting inducements to residents, including the making illegal the following types of promotions;
- Welcome bonuses or sign-up bonuses for New Account holders
- Cash Back or money back refunds
- Referral bonuses for referring friends
- Live (In-play) betting refunds, and;
- No bet boost, double your winnings or other enhanced odds promotions
These type of inducements for punters are popular across the nation, however, with the NSW Government’s move, the ban of promotional inducements may well be added to Australian betting laws nationwide, as NSW is the most populous Australian state by some margin.
Who regulates Gambling in Australia?
In addition to the Federal Government of Australia (the Department of Communication and the Arts) supplying the over-arching nationwide gambling legislation (the Interactive Gambling Act of 2001 and its 2016 Amendment – see detailed explanation below), each state and territory government regulate both land-based and online gambling in their respective state or territory jurisdiction;
