Gambling is an extremely popular activity in Australia, but there are a lot of misconceptions surrounding the topic, and many people, even though they live in Australia, are not entirely aware of what’s legal and what isn’t. It’s important to know all about gambling in Australia if you’re planning to travel over there, too.
This essential guide to gambling rules in Australia is set to help clear out some confusion and make it easier for gamblers to play to their heart’s contempt.
From world-class online casinos to some of the most concurred land-based casinos in the continent, Aussies have access to the crème de la crème of the gambling world. Read this guide and clear any doubts that you may have.
Gambling in Australia: Key Facts You Should Know
- In the eyes of the law, gambling is considered a hobby and not a profession;
- Online gambling, although heavily regulated, it’s not an illegal activity in which to partake;
- Australia is home to 13 land-based casinos spread across the country’s biggest cities;
- Land-based casinos are allowed to operate legally in Australia, but they require a license and authorization from the government.
Online Casinos in Australia
It is not illegal to gamble in offshore online casinos in Australia. Residents are free to visit online casinos that accept players from the country and wager their money as they see fit. Regulations are in place to prevent local casinos from offering online services to their players, but offshore casino activities fall into a gray area that allows them to operate free of trouble.
Here are some reasons why you should play in online casinos in Australia:
- You will have access to top-quality casino bonuses offered in some of the world’s most reputable casinos, including $200 no deposit bonus and 200 free spins real money rewards;
- Online casinos are easy to access and provide users with many more games than land-based websites;
- Live casinos and sportsbooks form a crucial part of the online gambling experience, taking immersion to another level even when playing from a computer or mobile device.
Australian-Based Online Casinos
As per the current state of national laws, it is technically legal for online casinos to be hosted within Aussie territory, but these casinos cannot offer services to players residing in the country. The situation is quite similar to the one we see in Costa Rica, where the government regulates gambling but facilitates companies to settle in Australia to offer services abroad.
Still, it is not common for Australian online casinos to become mainstream in the global iGaming scene. Curacao and Malta are much more attractive locations for the establishment of iGaming sites.
Interactive Gambling Act – What You Should Know
The Interactive Gambling Act, introduced in 2001, is the current law that regulates online casinos in the country. According to its regulations, the following statements are true:
- It is prohibited for casino operators to offer online gambling services to customers residing in Australia, be it licensed or unlicensed, nor should they be provided to residents of designated countries;
- Prohibited services cannot be advertised;
- It is not permitted to provide credit to gamblers in regulated locations;
- It is illegal to facilitate registration for people who are registered in the National Self‑exclusion Register.
The law was introduced as a means to help control gambling in Australia and help players feel more secure within the country. Even after its introduction, it is estimated that the Australian online gambling market was worth around $2.2 billion in 2022.
Land-Based Casinos in Australia
Land-based casinos in Australia provide table-based gambling activities such as blackjack, poker, baccarat, and roulette, as well as electronic games like slots and video poker. All physical casinos in the country are regulated by state and national authorities, and they are all subject to constant checks to ensure that the games are fair.
The majority of casinos in Australia, much like in other countries, also offer access to non-gambling leisure activities and even lodging.
You’ll find land-based casinos in Australia to be distributed in the following manner:
- There is one casino in each of New South Wales, Western Australia, Victoria, South Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory;
- There are two casinos in Tasmania and the Northern Territory;
- There are four casinos in Queensland.
Conclusion – Will Online Gambling Ever Be Legalized in Australia?
Although online gambling is unlikely to ever be legalized in Australia, there have been talks about online poker becoming a legal activity as the game involves skill. As of the time of writing this article, it has been nothing but talks, but it does seem likely that we could see the Australian government legalizing poker in the foreseeable future.
For the time being, rejoice in the fact that partaking in online gambling activities isn’t illegal, and casino operators are the ones that should be worried, in any case. As a player, you’ll be able to enjoy the world’s best casino games as you see fit!
