Is there a difference between a local and offshore license
1) Concept of local license
A local license is a document issued by a regulator in Australia or in a particular state.
Regulated by Interactive Gambling Act 2001 and local laws.
Legally covers bookmakers, lotteries, sports betting and sweepstakes.
Online casinos with Australian licences are almost non-existent due to the ban on interactive casino services.
2) Offshore license concept
An offshore license is issued by the regulator of another country or territory (Malta, Curacao, Gibraltar, etc.).
Allows the operator to serve players from different countries, including Australia, unless there is an outright ban.
Most online casinos available to Australians operate under offshore licenses.
3) Main differences
4) Benefits of local license
Full legality in Australia.
Obedience to national laws and the possibility of filing a complaint with local authorities.
Control over responsible gambling and protection against gambling addiction.
5) Local license deficiencies
Inability to access online slots and live casinos.
Limited choice of operators and bonus programs.
6) Benefits of an offshore license
Access to a full suite of gambling including slots, live games and jackpots.
More flexible bonus programs and promotions.
Opportunity to play in international tournaments.
7) Offshore license flaws
Legal protection only in the country of licensing.
Different level of reliability of regulators (from UKGC to weak control of Curacao).
Risk of blocking by ACMA.
8) How to choose a safe option
For sports betting and lotteries - local license.
For online casinos - an offshore license from an authoritative regulator (MGA, UKGC, Gibraltar).
Be sure to check the license number and reputation of the operator.
9) Offshore Casino Check List
License number and registry link.
Regular audits and game integrity certifications.
Positive feedback on payouts from AU players.
AUD support and available replenishment/output methods.
Bottom line:
A local license is a document issued by a regulator in Australia or in a particular state.
Regulated by Interactive Gambling Act 2001 and local laws.
Legally covers bookmakers, lotteries, sports betting and sweepstakes.
Online casinos with Australian licences are almost non-existent due to the ban on interactive casino services.
2) Offshore license concept
An offshore license is issued by the regulator of another country or territory (Malta, Curacao, Gibraltar, etc.).
Allows the operator to serve players from different countries, including Australia, unless there is an outright ban.
Most online casinos available to Australians operate under offshore licenses.
3) Main differences
| Option | Local License (AU) | Offshore License |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Only bookmakers and lotteries | Wide selection of casinos and games |
| Regulator | ACMA, State State Commissions | MGA, UKGC, Curacao, Gibraltar |
| Player Protection | High Level but in a Narrow Niche | Jurisdiction Specific |
| Legal protection | In Australian courts | In the courts of the issuing country |
| Restrictions | Tough, ban online casinos | Fewer restrictions on games |
4) Benefits of local license
Full legality in Australia.
Obedience to national laws and the possibility of filing a complaint with local authorities.
Control over responsible gambling and protection against gambling addiction.
5) Local license deficiencies
Inability to access online slots and live casinos.
Limited choice of operators and bonus programs.
6) Benefits of an offshore license
Access to a full suite of gambling including slots, live games and jackpots.
More flexible bonus programs and promotions.
Opportunity to play in international tournaments.
7) Offshore license flaws
Legal protection only in the country of licensing.
Different level of reliability of regulators (from UKGC to weak control of Curacao).
Risk of blocking by ACMA.
8) How to choose a safe option
For sports betting and lotteries - local license.
For online casinos - an offshore license from an authoritative regulator (MGA, UKGC, Gibraltar).
Be sure to check the license number and reputation of the operator.
9) Offshore Casino Check List
License number and registry link.
Regular audits and game integrity certifications.
Positive feedback on payouts from AU players.
AUD support and available replenishment/output methods.
Bottom line:
- The difference between a local and an offshore licence for Australian players is fundamental. Local provides maximum legal protection, but severely limits the available games. Offshore gives a complete choice of entertainment, but requires careful verification of the operator and jurisdiction.
