Real money games: where you can and where you can't
1) General provisions of the legislation
The Australian gambling market is regulated by the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA). The law is aimed at controlling operators, not limiting the actions of players. The main goal is to prevent the work of unlicensed companies and protect citizens from unscrupulous services.
2) Where you can play for real money
Legal formats:
Licensed online operators in Australia may provide:
3) Where you can't play for real money
Formats prohibited for Australian licensed operators:
4) Offshore casinos and sites
Australians can technically play in offshore casinos and poker rooms as long as they are licensed in international jurisdictions (MGA, Curacao, UKGC).
ACMA actively blocks sites that violate the law, but the use of VPNs and mirrors allows you to bypass blocking.
There is no liability for players to participate in such games, but the risks are higher due to the lack of local legal protection.
5) Difference by state and territory
Laws at the federal level are uniform, but states may impose additional restrictions and regulate the operation of land-based establishments.
For example, in some regions, the number of slot machines is limited or special rules are established for membership clubs.
6) Player recommendations
Check operator's license and jurisdiction.
Keep in mind that legal Australian sites do not offer online casinos and live games.
Select reputable offshore licenses and proven platforms to minimize risks.
Prefer resources with AUD or cryptocurrency support.
7) The bottom line
In Australia, real money can be legally played in land casinos, licensed betting sites and lotteries. Online casinos and most online gambling formats are prohibited for local operators, but are available through offshore services. The choice of site should be based on its license, reputation and transparency of conditions.
The Australian gambling market is regulated by the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA). The law is aimed at controlling operators, not limiting the actions of players. The main goal is to prevent the work of unlicensed companies and protect citizens from unscrupulous services.
2) Where you can play for real money
Legal formats:
- Land-based casinos - operate under the license of a specific state or territory (for example, Crown Melbourne, The Star Sydney).
- Sports and horse racing betting - allowed with Australian bookmakers with a license (Ladbrokes, TAB, Sportsbet, etc.).
- Lotteries and scratch cards - available offline and online.
- Poker in offline establishments - allowed subject to operator licensing.
Licensed online operators in Australia may provide:
- Pre-match sports betting.
- Lotteries.
3) Where you can't play for real money
Formats prohibited for Australian licensed operators:
- Online casinos (slots, roulette, baccarat, blackjack).
- Online poker.
- Live casinos with real-time dealers.
- Live betting through websites and apps (only allowed by phone or ground).
4) Offshore casinos and sites
Australians can technically play in offshore casinos and poker rooms as long as they are licensed in international jurisdictions (MGA, Curacao, UKGC).
ACMA actively blocks sites that violate the law, but the use of VPNs and mirrors allows you to bypass blocking.
There is no liability for players to participate in such games, but the risks are higher due to the lack of local legal protection.
5) Difference by state and territory
Laws at the federal level are uniform, but states may impose additional restrictions and regulate the operation of land-based establishments.
For example, in some regions, the number of slot machines is limited or special rules are established for membership clubs.
6) Player recommendations
Check operator's license and jurisdiction.
Keep in mind that legal Australian sites do not offer online casinos and live games.
Select reputable offshore licenses and proven platforms to minimize risks.
Prefer resources with AUD or cryptocurrency support.
7) The bottom line
In Australia, real money can be legally played in land casinos, licensed betting sites and lotteries. Online casinos and most online gambling formats are prohibited for local operators, but are available through offshore services. The choice of site should be based on its license, reputation and transparency of conditions.