What types of gambling are allowed in NSW
Gambling in New South Wales (NSW) is governed by a number of pieces of legislation that determine what types of entertainment are allowed and under what terms they can be offered. Permitted forms of gambling cover both ground objects and part of the online segment, but the activities of operators are strictly controlled.
1. Land-based casinos
Legally operate only under an individual licence issued by the NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC).
Includes board games (poker, blackjack, roulette, baccarat) and slot machines.
Must comply with responsible gambling, data protection and anti-money laundering requirements.
2. Bookmakers and betting shops
Regulated by the Betting and Racing Act 1998.
Betting on sporting events, horse racing and dog racing is possible both at ground points and online.
Licensed betting shops operating through TAB and approved online platforms are allowed.
3. Lotteries and sweepstakes
Controlled by Public Lotteries Act 1996.
Includes national and regional lotteries, instant scratchcards.
Conducted only by licensed operators.
4. Slot Machines (Poker Machines/Pokies)
Allowed in clubs and hotels licensed under Gaming Machines Act 2001.
There are limits on the number of machines in one institution.
Must be connected to a monitoring system to monitor turnover and prevent violations.
5. Online gambling
Only online sports betting and horse racing through licensed platforms are allowed.
Online casinos with virtual slots, roulette and board games registered in Australia are banned.
Foreign operators without a local licence are not allowed to legally offer services to NSW players.
6. Charity gambling events
Include bingo and lotteries run by registered charities.
Proceeds should be directed to social and community projects.
Conclusion:
1. Land-based casinos
Legally operate only under an individual licence issued by the NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC).
Includes board games (poker, blackjack, roulette, baccarat) and slot machines.
Must comply with responsible gambling, data protection and anti-money laundering requirements.
2. Bookmakers and betting shops
Regulated by the Betting and Racing Act 1998.
Betting on sporting events, horse racing and dog racing is possible both at ground points and online.
Licensed betting shops operating through TAB and approved online platforms are allowed.
3. Lotteries and sweepstakes
Controlled by Public Lotteries Act 1996.
Includes national and regional lotteries, instant scratchcards.
Conducted only by licensed operators.
4. Slot Machines (Poker Machines/Pokies)
Allowed in clubs and hotels licensed under Gaming Machines Act 2001.
There are limits on the number of machines in one institution.
Must be connected to a monitoring system to monitor turnover and prevent violations.
5. Online gambling
Only online sports betting and horse racing through licensed platforms are allowed.
Online casinos with virtual slots, roulette and board games registered in Australia are banned.
Foreign operators without a local licence are not allowed to legally offer services to NSW players.
6. Charity gambling events
Include bingo and lotteries run by registered charities.
Proceeds should be directed to social and community projects.
Conclusion:
- In NSW, only strictly defined types of gambling are legally available, while they can be carried out exclusively under license and in compliance with all legal requirements. Land casinos, betting bets, lotteries, slot machines and part of online gambling remain under constant control of regulators, which ensures that the interests of players are protected and operators are transparent.
