Regional differences: laws in states and territories
In Australia, gambling regulation occurs at two levels - federal and regional. Federal Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA) sets general restrictions, including a ban on Australian companies from providing online casinos with slot machines and board games domestically. Moreover, each state and territory has its own laws, licensing authorities and rules that determine the working conditions of operators and the protection of players' rights.
Major differences by region:
Regulator: NSW Liquor & Gaming *.
Features: Strict requirements for land casinos and slot halls. Online gambling is regulated by federal laws, but the region controls betting and lottery licenses.
Licenses: Issued for land casinos, bookmakers and lottery operators.
2. Victoria (VIC)
Regulator: Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) *.
Features: Strict control over operators and mandatory Responsible Gambling programs.
Licences: For land casinos, betting shops, lotteries, bingo and betting shops.
3. Queensland (QLD)
Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation *.
Features: One of the largest licensing centers for betting and lottery operators.
Licenses: For land casinos, bookmakers, slot machines in clubs and hotels.
4. South Australia (SA)
Regulator: Consumer and Business Services *.
Features: Tight regulation of gambling advertising.
Licenses: For bookmakers, terrestrial halls and slot machines.
5. Western Australia (WA)
Регулятор: Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries*.
Features: The only state where pokies are banned in clubs and hotels, they are only available at Crown Perth casinos.
Licenses: For casinos, lotteries and sports betting.
6. Tasmania (TAS)
Regulator: Tasmanian Liquor and Gaming Commission *.
Features: Control over Responsible Gambling, special rules for licensing slot machine operators.
Licenses: For casinos, slot machines, bookmakers and lotteries.
7. Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
Regulator: ACT Gambling and Racing Commission *.
Features: Less licensed activity, but strict control over player safety.
Licenses: For casinos, bookmakers and slot machines.
8. Northern Territory (NT)
Regulator: Northern Territory Racing Commission *.
Features: Interactive betting and betting licensing centre for Australian and international market
Licences: For bookmakers, betting shops and online sports betting.
Key differences in regional regulation:
What it means for players:
Conclusion:
Major differences by region:
- 1. New South Wales (NSW)
Regulator: NSW Liquor & Gaming *.
Features: Strict requirements for land casinos and slot halls. Online gambling is regulated by federal laws, but the region controls betting and lottery licenses.
Licenses: Issued for land casinos, bookmakers and lottery operators.
2. Victoria (VIC)
Regulator: Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) *.
Features: Strict control over operators and mandatory Responsible Gambling programs.
Licences: For land casinos, betting shops, lotteries, bingo and betting shops.
3. Queensland (QLD)
Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation *.
Features: One of the largest licensing centers for betting and lottery operators.
Licenses: For land casinos, bookmakers, slot machines in clubs and hotels.
4. South Australia (SA)
Regulator: Consumer and Business Services *.
Features: Tight regulation of gambling advertising.
Licenses: For bookmakers, terrestrial halls and slot machines.
5. Western Australia (WA)
Регулятор: Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries*.
Features: The only state where pokies are banned in clubs and hotels, they are only available at Crown Perth casinos.
Licenses: For casinos, lotteries and sports betting.
6. Tasmania (TAS)
Regulator: Tasmanian Liquor and Gaming Commission *.
Features: Control over Responsible Gambling, special rules for licensing slot machine operators.
Licenses: For casinos, slot machines, bookmakers and lotteries.
7. Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
Regulator: ACT Gambling and Racing Commission *.
Features: Less licensed activity, but strict control over player safety.
Licenses: For casinos, bookmakers and slot machines.
8. Northern Territory (NT)
Regulator: Northern Territory Racing Commission *.
Features: Interactive betting and betting licensing centre for Australian and international market
Licences: For bookmakers, betting shops and online sports betting.
Key differences in regional regulation:
- Permitted types of games: WA has a complete ban on slot machines outside casinos, in other states - allowed in clubs and hotels.
- Advertising restrictions: In SA and NSW, gambling advertising is subject to additional restrictions.
- Approach to online gambling: In NT, international bookmakers are licensed, in other regions online casinos are prohibited, except for federal exceptions.
- Responsible Gambling Policy: VIC and TAS have enhanced player support programs with betting and deposit limits.
What it means for players:
- Players in Australia can only use services that are permitted in their state or territory.
- For online casinos with a foreign license, restrictions apply at the level of federal legislation, and regional authorities may restrict advertising and payment channels.
- Before choosing an operator, it is important to take into account both federal and local laws, especially when it comes to land establishments or local bookmakers.
Conclusion:
- Gambling laws in Australia vary by state or territory, affecting the types of games available, licensing methods and player protections. For a complete understanding of the legal status of the operator, it is necessary to take into account both the IGA norms and the requirements of the regional regulator.
