Australian Laws: Interactive Gambling Act (IGA)
1) What is Interactive Gambling Act (IGA)
Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA) is an Australian federal law governing the provision of interactive gambling services. It aims to protect Australian citizens from the negative effects of online gambling and restrict access to illegal operators.
2) Main provisions of the law
1. Banning a range of services to Australians:
2. Permitted types of gambling:
3. Advertising restrictions:
4. Responsibility of operators:
3) The role of ACMA as performed by IGA
The Australian Communications and Media Authority monitors IGA compliance, identifies violations, blocks sites, imposes fines and informs the public about prohibited resources.
4) Player responsibility
IGA does not provide direct criminal penalties for players using illegal sites. However, players bear financial and legal risks, including the loss of funds and the inability to return them.
5) The mechanism of application of the law
ACMA monitors the Internet space;
Violators fall into the official "blacklist";
Providers block access to prohibited sites;
Overseas operators can be notified that services are no longer available to Australians.
6) IGA value for players
Clearly defines which services are legal;
Protects against unscrupulous and fraudulent platforms;
Contributes to the formation of a transparent and safe gambling market.
7) Key IGA changes in recent years
Tightening the rules for advertising online gambling (2018-2021);
Expanding ACMA's authority to block sites;
Introduction of transparency requirements for bonus offers.
8) Withdrawal
The Interactive Gambling Act is a fundamental piece of regulation that defines the legal landscape of online gambling in Australia. Knowledge of its provisions helps players navigate in legal and prohibited formats, and also reduces the risk of interacting with unsafe operators.
Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA) is an Australian federal law governing the provision of interactive gambling services. It aims to protect Australian citizens from the negative effects of online gambling and restrict access to illegal operators.
2) Main provisions of the law
1. Banning a range of services to Australians:
- Online casinos (slot machines, roulette, blackjack, etc.);
- Online poker;
- Online real-time lotteries.
2. Permitted types of gambling:
- Online sports betting (only before the event, live betting is prohibited for operators located in AU);
- Online sweepstakes with delayed drawing;
- Interactive betting services licensed in Australia.
3. Advertising restrictions:
- Advertising of unlicensed operators is prohibited;
- Strict rules on the time and content of advertising for legal operators.
4. Responsibility of operators:
- A ban on targeted marketing to unlicensed Australians;
- Mandatory blocking of access of players from AU in the absence of permission.
3) The role of ACMA as performed by IGA
The Australian Communications and Media Authority monitors IGA compliance, identifies violations, blocks sites, imposes fines and informs the public about prohibited resources.
4) Player responsibility
IGA does not provide direct criminal penalties for players using illegal sites. However, players bear financial and legal risks, including the loss of funds and the inability to return them.
5) The mechanism of application of the law
ACMA monitors the Internet space;
Violators fall into the official "blacklist";
Providers block access to prohibited sites;
Overseas operators can be notified that services are no longer available to Australians.
6) IGA value for players
Clearly defines which services are legal;
Protects against unscrupulous and fraudulent platforms;
Contributes to the formation of a transparent and safe gambling market.
7) Key IGA changes in recent years
Tightening the rules for advertising online gambling (2018-2021);
Expanding ACMA's authority to block sites;
Introduction of transparency requirements for bonus offers.
8) Withdrawal
The Interactive Gambling Act is a fundamental piece of regulation that defines the legal landscape of online gambling in Australia. Knowledge of its provisions helps players navigate in legal and prohibited formats, and also reduces the risk of interacting with unsafe operators.
