Interactive Gambling Act 2001
Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA) is Australia's main federal law governing the provision of interactive gambling services via the Internet. It was adopted to protect consumers, reduce the negative social consequences of gambling and restrict access to high-risk types of online gambling.
1. Objectives of the law
Restrict Australian players' access to prohibited online games.
Prevent the involvement of minors in gambling.
Ensure control over the activities of operators and protection of consumer rights in the permitted segments.
2. Major bans
The IGA prohibits offering the following types of interactive gambling services to players based in Australia:
The ban applies to all companies - both Australian and overseas - if they accept players from Australia.
3. Permitted forms of online gambling
IGA allows the provision of:
4. Control and supervision bodies
The law is enforced by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).
ACMA maintains a registry of prohibited sites and initiates their blocking.
The regulator cooperates with banks and payment systems to limit transactions in favor of illegal operators.
5. Sanctions for violation
Fines for operators - up to several million dollars for each violation.
Blocking domains and IP addresses.
Termination of access to payment services.
Transfer of information to international regulators to curb activities in other countries.
6. Importance to players
Players do not bear direct criminal or administrative responsibility for participating in prohibited games, but are deprived of legal protection.
If disputes arise with an offshore operator, there is no way to recover funds through an Australian court.
ACMA publishes a list of blocked sites, which is updated weekly.
7. Updates and changes
In 2017, the law was amended to tighten licensing rules and increase control over offshore operators.
In 2023-2024, measures were expanded to block payments and advertising channels of illegal casinos.
Final conclusion
Interactive Gambling Act 2001 is a key regulatory tool for online gambling in Australia. It completely bans online slots and other casino games with real bets for gamblers in the country, leaving only strictly limited types of gambling services available. For Australians, this means there are always financial and legal risks involved in participating in illegal online casinos.
1. Objectives of the law
Restrict Australian players' access to prohibited online games.
Prevent the involvement of minors in gambling.
Ensure control over the activities of operators and protection of consumer rights in the permitted segments.
2. Major bans
The IGA prohibits offering the following types of interactive gambling services to players based in Australia:
- Online slots (virtual slot machines).
- Online roulette, blackjack, baccarat and other casino games with real bets.
- Games with live dealers via the Internet.
- Online poker for real money.
The ban applies to all companies - both Australian and overseas - if they accept players from Australia.
3. Permitted forms of online gambling
IGA allows the provision of:
- Sports betting (including esports), but without live betting via the Internet.
- Lotteries and sweepstakes.
- Interactive gambling in land casinos, but only with the physical presence of the player.
4. Control and supervision bodies
The law is enforced by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).
ACMA maintains a registry of prohibited sites and initiates their blocking.
The regulator cooperates with banks and payment systems to limit transactions in favor of illegal operators.
5. Sanctions for violation
Fines for operators - up to several million dollars for each violation.
Blocking domains and IP addresses.
Termination of access to payment services.
Transfer of information to international regulators to curb activities in other countries.
6. Importance to players
Players do not bear direct criminal or administrative responsibility for participating in prohibited games, but are deprived of legal protection.
If disputes arise with an offshore operator, there is no way to recover funds through an Australian court.
ACMA publishes a list of blocked sites, which is updated weekly.
7. Updates and changes
In 2017, the law was amended to tighten licensing rules and increase control over offshore operators.
In 2023-2024, measures were expanded to block payments and advertising channels of illegal casinos.
Final conclusion
Interactive Gambling Act 2001 is a key regulatory tool for online gambling in Australia. It completely bans online slots and other casino games with real bets for gamblers in the country, leaving only strictly limited types of gambling services available. For Australians, this means there are always financial and legal risks involved in participating in illegal online casinos.
