Online poker: is it legal and where to play
1) Introduction
Online poker is a popular discipline among Australian players, but its legal status in the country is mixed. Unlike terrestrial poker rooms, online gaming is regulated by federal law and faces restrictions.
2) Federal Regulation: Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA)
Interactive Gambling Act 2001 prohibits:
At the same time, IGA does not make the participation of players in international poker rooms illegal if these platforms are licensed in offshore jurisdictions and accept users from AU.
3) What players are allowed
Register and play on international sites with valid licenses (MGA, UKGC, Isle of Man, Curacao, etc.).
Participate in tournaments, cash games and sit-and-go (SNG) if the operator officially accepts players from Australia.
Use both AUD and other currencies (USD, EUR, cryptocurrency) subject to a safe deposit.
4) What is forbidden to operators
Conduct online poker in AU without a license issued in accordance with local laws (in practice, there are no such licenses for poker).
Accept deposits and hold tournaments from servers located in Australia.
5) The role of ACMA
Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA):
6) Risks of playing illegal poker rooms
Possible blocking of access or account.
No guarantee of payment of winnings.
Unreliable protection of personal data.
7) How to choose a safe online poker room
Check license and country of registration.
Review withdrawal terms and fees.
Evaluate reputation through independent sources and forums.
Check for fair play protection (for example, RNG audit and anti-cheat system).
8) Withdrawal
Online poker in Australia is prohibited for local operators, but is available through international licensed platforms. The safety of the game depends on the choice of a proven poker room and adherence to the principles of responsible play.
Online poker is a popular discipline among Australian players, but its legal status in the country is mixed. Unlike terrestrial poker rooms, online gaming is regulated by federal law and faces restrictions.
2) Federal Regulation: Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA)
Interactive Gambling Act 2001 prohibits:
- Australian operators to provide online poker services to Australian citizens.
- Promotion and advertising of online poker within the country without an international license.
At the same time, IGA does not make the participation of players in international poker rooms illegal if these platforms are licensed in offshore jurisdictions and accept users from AU.
3) What players are allowed
Register and play on international sites with valid licenses (MGA, UKGC, Isle of Man, Curacao, etc.).
Participate in tournaments, cash games and sit-and-go (SNG) if the operator officially accepts players from Australia.
Use both AUD and other currencies (USD, EUR, cryptocurrency) subject to a safe deposit.
4) What is forbidden to operators
Conduct online poker in AU without a license issued in accordance with local laws (in practice, there are no such licenses for poker).
Accept deposits and hold tournaments from servers located in Australia.
5) The role of ACMA
Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA):
- Monitors sites that violate IGA.
- Adds illegal platforms to the list for blocking by providers.
- Handles player complaints.
6) Risks of playing illegal poker rooms
Possible blocking of access or account.
No guarantee of payment of winnings.
Unreliable protection of personal data.
7) How to choose a safe online poker room
Check license and country of registration.
Review withdrawal terms and fees.
Evaluate reputation through independent sources and forums.
Check for fair play protection (for example, RNG audit and anti-cheat system).
8) Withdrawal
Online poker in Australia is prohibited for local operators, but is available through international licensed platforms. The safety of the game depends on the choice of a proven poker room and adherence to the principles of responsible play.
