How offshore casinos differ from licensed ones in AU

Offshore casinos and licensed online operators in Australia differ in a number of key parameters - from legal regulation to the level of protection of the rights of players. These differences directly affect safety, integrity and playing conditions.

1. Licensing and regulation

AU Licensed Casinos

Work on the basis of permits issued by local regulators (states and territories).
The activities are controlled by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) and other relevant authorities.
Required to comply with Interactive Gambling Act 2001 *.

Offshore casinos

Registered and licensed in foreign jurisdictions (Curacao, Malta, Gibraltar, etc.).
Not subject to Australian laws and ACMA controls.
They are guided by the norms of their country of registration.

2. Available games

AU Licensed Casinos

They can only offer permitted types of gambling services: online sports betting, lotteries, bingo.
Online slots, roulette, blackjack, baccarat and poker are prohibited.

Offshore casinos

They offer a full range of games, including those banned in Australia (online roulette, blackjack, cash poker, live casino).

3. Financial transactions

AU Licensed Casinos

Work only with approved payment systems.
Can't accept credit card payments for gambling.
All transactions take place in AUD and are subject to reporting.

Offshore casinos

Accept international currencies (USD, EUR, etc.) and cryptocurrencies.
They can use payment intermediaries.
Not required to report to Australian authorities.

4. Player protection

AU Licensed Casinos

Must provide responsible play measures (deposit limits, self-blocking).
Players are entitled to recourse to the ACMA and the courts.
The integrity of the games is reviewed by independent auditors by Australian standards.

Offshore casinos

Protections are subject to licensing jurisdiction standards.
Complaints are considered only within the country of registration of the operator.
The level of transparency and control may be lower.

5. Risks and benefits

AU Licensed Casinos

Full legal protection.
Compliance with national safety standards.
- Limited game selection.

Offshore casinos

A large selection of gambling and bonuses.
Access to formats prohibited in AU.
- Lack of legal protection in Australia.
- Risk of non-payment of winnings and blocking of ACMA website.

Conclusion:
  • The main difference is that casinos licensed in Australia operate in a strict legal field, but offer a limited selection of games, and offshore ones provide more opportunities, but do not provide protection for Australian players. The choice between them is a balance between security and freedom of game content.