Why not all big brands are legal in Australia
In Australia, the legal status of online casinos is determined not by the brand's global rating or size, but by the compliance of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA) and the presence of permission from the local regulator. Many well-known operators with licences in the UK, Malta, Curaçao and other jurisdictions remain illegal for the Australian market.
1. Reason # 1 - Local License Requirement
Australian law requires the operator to hold a state or territory licence (e.g. Northern Territory Racing Commission, ACT Gambling and Racing Commission).
Licenses from other countries do not give the right to offer gambling to Australian residents.
Even global brands are required to pass local accreditation, which is associated with high costs and strict requirements.
2. Reason # 2 - Prohibition of certain services
* IGA 2001defines online poker, online casinos with real bets and some other types of interactive games, with the exception of lotteries and sports betting.
A major brand offering a full suite of gambling in other countries cannot legally operate in Australia in the same format.
Many operators do not want to limit functionality specifically for the Australian audience.
3. Reason # 3 - Tax Burden and Compliance
Australian licenses imply the payment of local taxes and deductions to the funds of the responsible game.
Stringent AML/CTF requirements increase operating costs.
Not all brands are willing to invest in local offices and full compliance.
4. Reason # 4 - ACMA Control
The Australian Communications and Media Authority actively blocks sites and IP addresses of operators without a local license.
Brand reputation does not protect against blocking.
Large operators may consider the risk of traffic loss due to blocking as too high.
5. Reason # 5 - Conflict with other markets
Some international licenses prohibit the operator from operating in markets where activities are not fully legalized.
For brands licensed by UKGC or MGA, violation of these conditions can lead to sanctions from their own regulators.
6. Implications for players
Playing on such sites is not protected by Australian law.
There may be difficulties with payments and lack of access to local payment methods.
When blocking the site, the player loses convenient access to the account and may face delays in output.
Conclusion:
1. Reason # 1 - Local License Requirement
Australian law requires the operator to hold a state or territory licence (e.g. Northern Territory Racing Commission, ACT Gambling and Racing Commission).
Licenses from other countries do not give the right to offer gambling to Australian residents.
Even global brands are required to pass local accreditation, which is associated with high costs and strict requirements.
2. Reason # 2 - Prohibition of certain services
* IGA 2001defines online poker, online casinos with real bets and some other types of interactive games, with the exception of lotteries and sports betting.
A major brand offering a full suite of gambling in other countries cannot legally operate in Australia in the same format.
Many operators do not want to limit functionality specifically for the Australian audience.
3. Reason # 3 - Tax Burden and Compliance
Australian licenses imply the payment of local taxes and deductions to the funds of the responsible game.
Stringent AML/CTF requirements increase operating costs.
Not all brands are willing to invest in local offices and full compliance.
4. Reason # 4 - ACMA Control
The Australian Communications and Media Authority actively blocks sites and IP addresses of operators without a local license.
Brand reputation does not protect against blocking.
Large operators may consider the risk of traffic loss due to blocking as too high.
5. Reason # 5 - Conflict with other markets
Some international licenses prohibit the operator from operating in markets where activities are not fully legalized.
For brands licensed by UKGC or MGA, violation of these conditions can lead to sanctions from their own regulators.
6. Implications for players
Playing on such sites is not protected by Australian law.
There may be difficulties with payments and lack of access to local payment methods.
When blocking the site, the player loses convenient access to the account and may face delays in output.
Conclusion:
- Not all major brands are legal in Australia, because local legislation imposes special requirements on licensing, permitted types of games, taxation and player protection. Even established global operators prefer to bypass the market if operating conditions require significant changes in the business model. It is safer for Australian players to choose ACMA-approved and licensed venues within the country.
