Offshore-registered casinos: How it affects taxes
Offshore-registered casinos: How it affects taxes
Current on: 11 August 2025
Short conclusion
Offshore casinos are not subject to Australian regulation, but transfers of winnings from them can fall under AUSTRAC and ATO control. For amateurs, there is no taxation in most cases, but professional players are required to declare income regardless of the jurisdiction of the casino.
1. What counts as an offshore casino
The platform is registered outside Australia.
The license was issued by a foreign regulator (Malta, Curacao, Gibraltar, etc.).
The casino is not licensed by Australian bodies (e.g. Northern Territory Racing Commission).
2. Tax rules for residents
Amateurs: Offshore casino winnings are not taxed if the game is a hobby.
Professionals: Required to include income on a tax return, regardless of whether the casino is registered overseas.
All profits from offshore platforms are considered foreign income, which the resident must indicate in the statements.
3. Tax rules for non-residents
Non-residents pay tax only on income earned in Australia.
Offshore casino winnings outside the country are in most cases not taxed in Australia, but may be taxed under the laws of the player's home country.
4. Control of transfers from offshore
AUSTRAC tracks international transfers, particularly from AUD 10,000.
Banks may request proof of origin of funds:
5. Risks for players
There is no protection against ACMA and Australian courts in controversial situations.
Possible blocking of transactions by the bank.
More scrutiny from AUSTRAC on regular transfers.
Extended payment terms due to bank checks.
6. Case studies
Resident, amateur won AUD 20,000 in an offshore casino - no tax is charged, but the transfer passes muster.
A resident, a professional receives a stable income from offshore - he is obliged to pay income tax.
A non-resident plays offshore from another country - no tax is assessed in Australia.
7. Recommendations
Keep a complete history of the game and payments.
Use platforms with a good reputation and transparent payment channels.
In case of regular profit - consult with an accountant on international taxes.
Avoid anonymous transfers so as not to fall under suspicion of money laundering.
Conclusion
Offshore casino registrations do not exempt Australian professional gamblers from tax and may entail additional checks by banks and AUSTRAC. For amateurs, the key risk is not taxation, but the security of payments and the protection of rights.
Current on: 11 August 2025
Short conclusion
Offshore casinos are not subject to Australian regulation, but transfers of winnings from them can fall under AUSTRAC and ATO control. For amateurs, there is no taxation in most cases, but professional players are required to declare income regardless of the jurisdiction of the casino.
1. What counts as an offshore casino
The platform is registered outside Australia.
The license was issued by a foreign regulator (Malta, Curacao, Gibraltar, etc.).
The casino is not licensed by Australian bodies (e.g. Northern Territory Racing Commission).
2. Tax rules for residents
Amateurs: Offshore casino winnings are not taxed if the game is a hobby.
Professionals: Required to include income on a tax return, regardless of whether the casino is registered overseas.
All profits from offshore platforms are considered foreign income, which the resident must indicate in the statements.
3. Tax rules for non-residents
Non-residents pay tax only on income earned in Australia.
Offshore casino winnings outside the country are in most cases not taxed in Australia, but may be taxed under the laws of the player's home country.
4. Control of transfers from offshore
AUSTRAC tracks international transfers, particularly from AUD 10,000.
Banks may request proof of origin of funds:
- Casino account statements.
- A copy of the operator's license.
- With frequent or large transfers, the ATO can classify an activity as a business.
5. Risks for players
There is no protection against ACMA and Australian courts in controversial situations.
Possible blocking of transactions by the bank.
More scrutiny from AUSTRAC on regular transfers.
Extended payment terms due to bank checks.
6. Case studies
Resident, amateur won AUD 20,000 in an offshore casino - no tax is charged, but the transfer passes muster.
A resident, a professional receives a stable income from offshore - he is obliged to pay income tax.
A non-resident plays offshore from another country - no tax is assessed in Australia.
7. Recommendations
Keep a complete history of the game and payments.
Use platforms with a good reputation and transparent payment channels.
In case of regular profit - consult with an accountant on international taxes.
Avoid anonymous transfers so as not to fall under suspicion of money laundering.
Conclusion
Offshore casino registrations do not exempt Australian professional gamblers from tax and may entail additional checks by banks and AUSTRAC. For amateurs, the key risk is not taxation, but the security of payments and the protection of rights.
