Mobile rates and apps - what's legal
In New South Wales (NSW), mobile betting and gambling apps are regulated by the Betting and Racing Act 1998, Totalizator Act 1997, and the federal Interactive Gambling Act 2001. Mobile platforms can only provide services under a licence issued in Australia and must meet strict requirements for player protection and betting integrity.
1. Legal operators
Mobile apps and betting sites can only offer services if they have an Australian licence.
Licenses can be issued in NSW or another Australian jurisdiction (for example, Northern Territory) if it is recognized in the state.
Examples: TAB, Sportsbet, Ladbrokes, Bet365 Australia.
2. Permitted bet types
Pre-match sports betting and horse racing.
Fixed odds bets.
Betting on horse and dog racing.
Live bets can only be made by phone or at the venue - direct online reception is limited by federal law.
3. Mobile Application Requirements
Protection of personal data of players in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988.
Responsible play tools: limits of deposits and bets, the possibility of self-exclusion, notifications about the time of the game.
Transparent interface with clear display of odds and conditions of bets.
Certified systems for processing bets and calculating winnings.
4. Restrictions
Betting apps are restricted to over-18s.
It is forbidden to promote applications among minors.
Mobile bid advertising is subject to content and broadcast time restrictions.
5. Supervision and control
Liquor & Gaming NSW monitors compliance within the state.
Federal agencies enforce compliance with the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
Violations, including operating without a license or failing to meet player protection standards, result in fines and app blocking.
6. Sanctions for illegal activities
Penalties for operators and possible blocking of a site or application.
Revocation of the license in case of serious or repeated violations.
Criminal liability in case of fraud or money laundering through the platform.
Conclusion:
1. Legal operators
Mobile apps and betting sites can only offer services if they have an Australian licence.
Licenses can be issued in NSW or another Australian jurisdiction (for example, Northern Territory) if it is recognized in the state.
Examples: TAB, Sportsbet, Ladbrokes, Bet365 Australia.
2. Permitted bet types
Pre-match sports betting and horse racing.
Fixed odds bets.
Betting on horse and dog racing.
Live bets can only be made by phone or at the venue - direct online reception is limited by federal law.
3. Mobile Application Requirements
Protection of personal data of players in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988.
Responsible play tools: limits of deposits and bets, the possibility of self-exclusion, notifications about the time of the game.
Transparent interface with clear display of odds and conditions of bets.
Certified systems for processing bets and calculating winnings.
4. Restrictions
Betting apps are restricted to over-18s.
It is forbidden to promote applications among minors.
Mobile bid advertising is subject to content and broadcast time restrictions.
5. Supervision and control
Liquor & Gaming NSW monitors compliance within the state.
Federal agencies enforce compliance with the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
Violations, including operating without a license or failing to meet player protection standards, result in fines and app blocking.
6. Sanctions for illegal activities
Penalties for operators and possible blocking of a site or application.
Revocation of the license in case of serious or repeated violations.
Criminal liability in case of fraud or money laundering through the platform.
Conclusion:
- In NSW, mobile betting and apps are completely legal, subject to working through licensed Australian operators and complying with the requirements. Players only have to choose official apps to ensure funds are safe and bets are fair.
