Local licenses: which operators work legally
Local licenses: which operators work legally
Current on: 11 August 2025
Short conclusion
In Australia, gambling licenses are issued by state and territory regulators. Only operators with a valid Australian license and offering permitted types of gambling services can legally work. Online slots and casino games for Australian players are not licensed and are prohibited under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA).
1. Who issues licenses
Gambling licensing is the responsibility of the states and territories. Principal organs:
Each regulator determines the conditions for issuing a license, requirements for operators and a list of permitted products.
2. What services can be licensed
Interactive bets: sports, horse racing, sweepstakes.
Land casinos: slot machines, board games, VIP lounges.
Lotteries and Keno (if authorized).
Social games (without cash payments) - can be licensed as entertainment.
Online casinos and real money slots are not licensed for Australians and are banned for operators.
3. How to check that the operator is legal
1. Find it in the register on the website of the regulator of the relevant state/territory.
2. Check:
4. Differences between licensed operators and illegal
5. Why a local license is a guarantee of security
Regulator control: regular inspections, audit of finances, equipment testing.
Player protection: Possibility of complaint and dispute resolution.
Transparency of payments: the operator must have reserves for settlements with players.
Responsible Gambling: limits on deposits, self-exclusion programs, support for problems with gambling.
6. Examples of legal operators by state licenses
NT - Sportsbet, Betfair, Ladbrokes (interactive betting).
VIC - Crown Melbourne (land casino).
NSW - The Star Sydney (land casino).
Conclusion
A legal operator in Australia is a company with a valid license from an Australian state or territory that offers only legally permitted types of gambling services. Online slots and casinos for Australian players are not included in this list and are provided exclusively by illegal offshore platforms, which deprives players of legal protection.
Current on: 11 August 2025
Short conclusion
In Australia, gambling licenses are issued by state and territory regulators. Only operators with a valid Australian license and offering permitted types of gambling services can legally work. Online slots and casino games for Australian players are not licensed and are prohibited under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA).
1. Who issues licenses
Gambling licensing is the responsibility of the states and territories. Principal organs:
- VIC —Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC)*
- NSW —NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC)*
- QLD —Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR)*
- NT —Northern Territory Racing Commission (NTRC)*
- TAS —Tasmanian Liquor and Gaming Commission*
- SA —Consumer and Business Services (CBS)*
- WA —Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries*
- ACT —Access Canberra*
Each regulator determines the conditions for issuing a license, requirements for operators and a list of permitted products.
2. What services can be licensed
Interactive bets: sports, horse racing, sweepstakes.
Land casinos: slot machines, board games, VIP lounges.
Lotteries and Keno (if authorized).
Social games (without cash payments) - can be licensed as entertainment.
Online casinos and real money slots are not licensed for Australians and are banned for operators.
3. How to check that the operator is legal
1. Find it in the register on the website of the regulator of the relevant state/territory.
2. Check:
- license validity period;
- legal name of the company;
- types of services for which a permit has been issued.
- 3. Make sure that the operator does not offer games prohibited by IGA (online slots, roulette, blackjack, etc.).
4. Differences between licensed operators and illegal
| Sign | Licensed Operator | Illegal Operator |
|---|---|---|
| Licence | Issued by Australian Regulator | Offshore Jurisdiction Licence or None |
| Services | IGA Restricted Only | Australian Restricted Games |
| Legal protection | Yes, through the regulator and the court | No in Australia |
| Responsible Gambling | Mandatory Measures | Minimal or None |
| KYC and AML | Stringent | Often formal or non-formal |
5. Why a local license is a guarantee of security
Regulator control: regular inspections, audit of finances, equipment testing.
Player protection: Possibility of complaint and dispute resolution.
Transparency of payments: the operator must have reserves for settlements with players.
Responsible Gambling: limits on deposits, self-exclusion programs, support for problems with gambling.
6. Examples of legal operators by state licenses
NT - Sportsbet, Betfair, Ladbrokes (interactive betting).
VIC - Crown Melbourne (land casino).
NSW - The Star Sydney (land casino).
Conclusion
A legal operator in Australia is a company with a valid license from an Australian state or territory that offers only legally permitted types of gambling services. Online slots and casinos for Australian players are not included in this list and are provided exclusively by illegal offshore platforms, which deprives players of legal protection.
