Regulatory compliance
Feb 19, 2025
8 min read

Gambling and Betting in Australia—A Complete Guide 2025

Learn the key nuances of gambling regulations and the emerging risks of problematic gambling in Australia.

Alyssa Abrams

Alyssa Abrams

Senior Content Manager

Gambling in Australia, including online wagering, sports betting, and lotteries, is heavily regulated and subject to licensing at both federal and state/territory levels. Anyone looking to enter the Australian gambling market must carefully examine the laws and regulations in each state and territory.

Growth of the online gambling industry in Australia

Online gambling in Australia has experienced a significant shift away from traditional venue-based options in the last few years. A recent study found that 11% of Australians engaged in online gambling over the past six months, an increase from 8% in 2020. The rise in online gambling can be attributed to the convenience of mobile apps and online betting platforms, along with aggressive advertising. Experts predict that sports betting and casino-style gaming will dominate Australia’s gambling landscape in the coming years, prompting further discussions on regulation and harm prevention.

More online gambling operators like Gigabet and Titanbet are entering the market, and more people are participating in various forms of online betting, including sports betting, casino games, poker, and more.

Recently, there have been increasing calls for a ban on or stricter restrictions for gambling ads as well as implementing cashless gambling cards with preset limits. These developments follow a reported loss of approximately $32 billion in the 2022-2023 period. Operators should also pay special attention to responsible gambling policies, as gambling remains a significant public concern in Australia: a recent report found 184 suicides connected to gambling in Victoria alone. Due to the nature of gambling and its potential risks, it is crucial for operators to comply with regulations designed to protect consumers and promote responsible gambling.

Now, let’s look at the Australian gambling regulations.

Who’s affected?

In Australia, gambling compliance requirements vary by state or territory and by the type of gambling service offered. However, in general, the following types of gambling/gaming activities must follow regulations:

  • Casinos. Offline casinos operating in Australia must follow strict regulations and licensing requirements imposed by state authorities.
  • Gaming machine operators. Those who operate gaming machines (“pokies” or slot machines) must also comply with relevant state and territory regulations, including all laws related to the operation and maintenance of gaming machines.
  • Bookmakers, online betting and gambling operators, and other entities offering race and sports betting in Australia must comply with regulations set by individual state and territory authorities, and also by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).
  • Lotteries and keno operators. Operators of lotteries and keno games must comply with regulations specific to their respective jurisdictions. 
  • Gaming and betting equipment manufacturers and suppliers. Businesses which manufacture, supply, or service gambling equipment (including gaming machines, betting terminals, and software) must comply with regulations governing their industry at the state and territory levels.
  • Charities. Organizations which run fundraising events involving games of chance or gambling (e.g., raffles, bingo) must adhere to specific regulations regarding the conduct of these activities. These regulations may differ by state and territory.
  • Advertising and PR agencies. Companies and individuals involved in promoting gambling services through advertising and sponsorship contracts must comply with regulations regarding the content and placement of gambling advertisements. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is responsible for enforcing these rules.
  • Individuals. People who participate in gambling activities must also comply with relevant regulations, including age restrictions and responsible gambling practices.

If unauthorized or without a license, illegal gambling activities in Australia include:

  • Casino-style games (like poker, blackjack and roulette)
  • Scratchies
  • In-play betting on sporting events
  • Sports betting services that do not hold an Australian license
  • Betting on the outcome of a lottery

Who is the regulator?

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) oversees advertising compliance and addresses illegal offshore gambling. However, licensing responsibilities remain with state and territory regulators rather than the ACMA.

The key responsibilities of state gambling regulators include: 

  • granting licenses
  • monitoring compliance
  • legal enforcement 

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

New South Wales (NSW)

Northern Territory (NT)

Queensland (Qld)

South Australia (SA)

Tasmania (Tas)

Victoria (Vic)

Western Australia (WA)

What are the main regulations?

Online gambling in Australia is regulated at the federal level by the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (Cth) (IGA) which outlines the general regulation of online gambling in Australia.

Land-based gambling in Australia is regulated at state and territory levels. Each of Australia’s eight states and territories independently regulates gambling, gaming, and betting activities within their jurisdictions. Below are the relevant regulations for each region. 

New South Wales

Northern Territory

Queensland

South Australia

Tasmania

Victoria

Western Australia

Australian Capital Territory

Other gambling regulations in Australia

  • BetStop: To protect vulnerable individuals, the Australian government launched BetStop, the National Self-Exclusion Register, on August 21, 2023. This system allows people to self-exclude from all licensed online gambling providers across the country for periods ranging from three months to indefinite. By the end of 2024, over 35,000 individuals had signed up for BetStop, indicating a rising demand for self-regulation tools.
  • Credit card ban for online wagering service providers: On June 11, 2024, the Australian Federal government officially banned using credit cards for online gambling. This Act brings online wagering in line with land-based gambling regulations, where credit card use is already banned. The Australian Communications and Media Authority monitors compliance with the credit betting ban. Companies that do not enforce prohibitions on credit cards, credit-related products, and digital currencies could face fines of up to $247,500. The ban’s effectiveness will be evaluated within 2 years of its introduction, with a review scheduled before June 2026 to ensure it fulfills its intended purpose.
  • Robust customer identification obligations (ACIP): In September 2023, the AML/CFT Rules were updated to enhance customer identification (ACIP) requirements for online gambling service providers. These revisions aim to protect digital gambling platforms from criminal activity. For the past year, providers could briefly postpone ACIP in specific situations. That transition period has ended. Starting 29 September 2024, all providers must complete ACIP before setting up a gambling account or offering designated services. They must be confident in a customer’s identity before granting access. Verifying identities is vital for preventing criminal exploitation and identifying individuals listed on the National Self-Exclusion Register.

This is a non-exhaustive list of regulations.

Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations

The federal Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 is applicable to all territories, and all casinos, betting and gaming companies in Australia must comply with the country’s AML laws.

With the exception of lotteries, gambling and betting companies must:

Suggested read: The APAC Sentinel: Effective Transaction Monitoring Tactics

Gambling operator requirements in Australia

Residence in Australia. Operators wishing to offer their services to to customers in Australia must have a legal entity in Australia, and they must obtain the relevant licenses and authorizations from the regulators. In case the company is foreign-based, it must appoint a local manager, whose residence would be in Australia, to deal with the competent authorities in the country and have the power to conclude contracts on its behalf.

Bank account. Operators must open a bank account with a bank in Australia to deposit player money. Licensed remote gaming operators will only be allowed to make payments to players through the payment processors approved by the regulator.

Share capital. Operators must follow the requirements regarding the minimum share capital of the company depending on the type of game it offers.

Declarations. Many regulators require operators to file regular (often monthly) declarations detailing gaming revenue, fees owed, and other pertinent data.

Regulatory compliance. Compliance with:

  • local state/territory laws 
  • principles of protection of minors and vulnerable persons
  • principles regarding the content of the promotional material and the locations where they can be displayed.

Applicable Customer Identification Procedures (ACIP). Online gambling service providers are mandated to complete Applicable Customer Identification Procedures (ACIP) before creating an online gambling account or providing any designated services. This change eliminates the previous allowance for delayed identification under special circumstances.

Gambling problems in Australia

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, “gambling is a major public policy issue in Australia, affecting the health and wellbeing of individuals and families in a range of ways.”

Indeed, there’s a number of gambling-related problems in the country:

  • High gambling participation. Australia has one of the highest rates of gambling participation in the world, with a significant portion of the adult population participating in sports betting, poker machines (pokies), casino gambling, and lotteries.
  • Problem gambling prevalence. A subset of the population experiences gambling-related harm, which can manifest as problem gambling or gambling addiction. Studies have indicated that estimated problem gambling prevalence rates are between 0.5% and 1.0%, with a further 1.4–2.1% at risk of problems developing, equating to over 395 000 Australians. Gambling is typically a relapsing remitting condition, with relapse rates around 75%.

This resulted in the introduction of credit card betting ban legislation in Australia, which aims to prevent people in Australia from betting with money they don’t have.

  • Youth gambling. There are concerns about the increasing prevalence of youth gambling in Australia. Young people are exposed to gambling advertising and may engage in sports betting and other forms of gambling at an early age.
  • Impact on mental health, financial and social impacts. Problem gambling can have severe consequences on mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts or actions. The social costs of gambling have been estimated at around $7 billion in Victoria alone (Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation, November 2017).

These problems have led to the gambling industry being closely monitored and regulated to keep a balance between consumer protection, responsible gambling, and economic interests.

Responsible gambling and harm minimization measures

Australia has implemented strict measures to regulate gambling and reduce the potential harm caused by gambling behaviors.

From September 2024, the Australian Classification Board introduced mandatory minimum classifications for video games with gambling-like mechanics.

  • in-game purchases with an element of chance, such as paid loot boxes, are classified as M (not recommended for children under 15 years of age)
  • simulated gaming, such as casino-style games – are legally restricted to adults and classified as R18+ as a minimum.

This measure follows concerns that exposure to gambling mechanics in video games may contribute to problematic gambling behaviors later in life. These stricter classifications align Australia with other jurisdictions, such as the UK and EU, where similar regulations are being introduced.

Stricter fines have also been issued as a clear warning to gambling operators that failure to comply with responsible gambling regulations will result in significant financial penalties. In August 2024, Tabcorp, Australia’s largest gambling company, was fined a record $4.6 million by the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission. This penalty was imposed for multiple violations of the state’s gambling code that occurred between August 2020 and February 2023. The breaches included insufficient training for staff on responsible gambling practices and the unauthorized sending of direct marketing material to a customer who had opted out. As a result, the company has been instructed to revamp its internal systems and enhance player safety measures.

Suggested read: What is Responsible Gaming?

Ensure Responsible Gaming compliance

Act on risky players early. Get a solution to meet Responsible Gaming guidelines with ease

Find out more
Ensure Responsible Gaming compliance

FAQ

  • Is gambling regulated in Australia?

    Yes. Online gambling is regulated in Australia on a federal level, while land-based gambling in Australia is regulated at the state, territory and federal levels.

  • When did Australia legalize gambling in casinos?

    In Australia, the first legal casino was opened in Hobart in 1973.

  • What forms of gambling are illegal in Australia?

    Australia’s main online gambling law prohibits the following activities, unless licensed:

    • online casinos, slot machines, and poker

    • online wagering services that accept ‘in-play’ betting on live sports events

    • online wagering services provided without a license issued by an Australian state or territory

    • online instant lotteries

    • providing or facilitating the provision of credit by certain interactive wagering service providers to their customers.

  • What are the new gambling laws in Australia?

    • Ban on the use of credit cards for online wagering

    • National self-exclusion register for online gambling, called “BetStop”—a service under the Gambling Administration Act 2019. It will allow Australians to ban themselves from all online gambling companies in every state and territory using just one form.

AMLAustraliaGambling

Explore more

The Top 10 Crypto-Friendly Countries (2025)
The Top 10 Crypto-Friendly Countries (2025)
Alyssa Abrams

Alyssa Abrams

Senior Content Manager

AML/KYC in the Philippines: Complete Guide 2025
AML/KYC in the Philippines: Complete Guide 2025
Alyssa Abrams

Alyssa Abrams

Senior Content Manager

Brazil Gambling Laws and Regulations: What to Expect in 2025?
Brazil Gambling Laws and Regulations: What to Expect in 2025?
Kris Galloway

Kris Galloway

Head of iGaming Product, Sumsub