Protecting minors from accessing slot games
Protecting minors from slot game access (Australia)
Current on: 11 August 2025
Short conclusion
In Australia, minors (under 18) cannot participate in gambling, including online slots and "pokies." Access is limited to the federal Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA), the content age rating system (R18 + for gambling and "social casinos"), app store rules, identity verification procedures (KYC), and parental control technical tools. The ACMA monitors compliance with these regulations and accepts complaints of violations.
Legislative framework
Federal level - IGA
The provision of online slots and other casino games to Australian audiences (including minors) is prohibited.
Betting operators (interactive betting) must have an Australian license and are prohibited from accepting bets from persons under 18 years of age.
Violations are punishable by sanctions, blocking sites and applications at the request of ACMA.
Content Rating System
Slots for real money and online casinos - R18 +.
Social casinos (no withdrawals) are also classified as R18 + from 2024/25.
Loot box content - at least M, but with simulated excitement - R18 +.
The rating is mandatory for all digital platforms in Australia (including the App Store, Google Play and PC markets).
Role of ACMA
Identifies and blocks illegal gambling sites/apps.
Conducts investigations against operators and advertisers who violate the ban on the provision of gambling services to minors.
Accepts complaints through the Interactive Gambling Complaint Form - you can report the availability of slots for people under 18 or the lack of age verification.
App store measures
Apple App Store
Games with passion for real money - only with a license and geo-restrictions.
Apps rated R18 + are hidden in children's and family categories.
You can set up parental controls: prohibition by age rating, blocking the download of gambling applications.
Google Play
RMG (real-money gambling) - only for licensed operators, with geo-blocking and age limit.
An R18 + rating is required for all gambling and "social casinos."
Parental controls on Google Play allow you to block app downloads above a certain rating.
Verification of Age and Personality (KYC)
Legal interactive betting operators in Australia are required to:
Illegal offshore KYC slots are often formal or absent, which increases the risk of child access - this is one of the reasons for the strict ACMA blocking policy.
Technical methods of protection
1. Parental Controls on Devices
iOS: "Screen Time" with app blocking by rating and password.
AndroID: "Google Family Group" + Play Store filters.
2. Network filters
Providers and routers allow you to block sites by category (including gambling).
3. Specialized software
Programs like Net Nanny, Qustodio or Family Zone integrated with Australian providers.
How to check that the service is not available to children
1. Try downloading the app while Parental Controls are active.
2. Check the age rating in the app store (R18 + for gambling).
3. When registering with a legal operator, go through KYC. If age is not checked, this is a sign of violation.
4. Check the brand/operator against the register of licensed interactive operators on the ACMA website.
If Slot Access Detected to Minors
Report to ACMA via complaint form.
For apps, file a complaint with the App Store or Google Play (category "Inappropriate content "/" Violation of local laws ").
In case of massive violations, notify the state consumer protection authorities in your state/territory.
Conclusion
Legally, gambling, including slots, is only available from the age of 18.
The protection system is based on a combination of IGA, R18 + ratings, app store rules, KYC and parental controls.
ACMA actively blocks illegal services and stops advertising gambling to minors.
Parents and guardians can additionally use technical filters and monitor installations on devices.
Do you want me to make a schematic infographic for this article with the chain "law - app store - KYC - parental control" for clarity? This will simplify the perception.
Current on: 11 August 2025
Short conclusion
In Australia, minors (under 18) cannot participate in gambling, including online slots and "pokies." Access is limited to the federal Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA), the content age rating system (R18 + for gambling and "social casinos"), app store rules, identity verification procedures (KYC), and parental control technical tools. The ACMA monitors compliance with these regulations and accepts complaints of violations.
Legislative framework
Federal level - IGA
The provision of online slots and other casino games to Australian audiences (including minors) is prohibited.
Betting operators (interactive betting) must have an Australian license and are prohibited from accepting bets from persons under 18 years of age.
Violations are punishable by sanctions, blocking sites and applications at the request of ACMA.
Content Rating System
Slots for real money and online casinos - R18 +.
Social casinos (no withdrawals) are also classified as R18 + from 2024/25.
Loot box content - at least M, but with simulated excitement - R18 +.
The rating is mandatory for all digital platforms in Australia (including the App Store, Google Play and PC markets).
Role of ACMA
Identifies and blocks illegal gambling sites/apps.
Conducts investigations against operators and advertisers who violate the ban on the provision of gambling services to minors.
Accepts complaints through the Interactive Gambling Complaint Form - you can report the availability of slots for people under 18 or the lack of age verification.
App store measures
Apple App Store
Games with passion for real money - only with a license and geo-restrictions.
Apps rated R18 + are hidden in children's and family categories.
You can set up parental controls: prohibition by age rating, blocking the download of gambling applications.
Google Play
RMG (real-money gambling) - only for licensed operators, with geo-blocking and age limit.
An R18 + rating is required for all gambling and "social casinos."
Parental controls on Google Play allow you to block app downloads above a certain rating.
Verification of Age and Personality (KYC)
Legal interactive betting operators in Australia are required to:
- 1. Check the age and identity of the player (passport, driver's license, etc.).
- 2. Complete KYC before betting begins or within a short period of enrollment.
- 3. Block account when identifying a minor user.
Illegal offshore KYC slots are often formal or absent, which increases the risk of child access - this is one of the reasons for the strict ACMA blocking policy.
Technical methods of protection
1. Parental Controls on Devices
iOS: "Screen Time" with app blocking by rating and password.
AndroID: "Google Family Group" + Play Store filters.
2. Network filters
Providers and routers allow you to block sites by category (including gambling).
3. Specialized software
Programs like Net Nanny, Qustodio or Family Zone integrated with Australian providers.
How to check that the service is not available to children
1. Try downloading the app while Parental Controls are active.
2. Check the age rating in the app store (R18 + for gambling).
3. When registering with a legal operator, go through KYC. If age is not checked, this is a sign of violation.
4. Check the brand/operator against the register of licensed interactive operators on the ACMA website.
If Slot Access Detected to Minors
Report to ACMA via complaint form.
For apps, file a complaint with the App Store or Google Play (category "Inappropriate content "/" Violation of local laws ").
In case of massive violations, notify the state consumer protection authorities in your state/territory.
Conclusion
Legally, gambling, including slots, is only available from the age of 18.
The protection system is based on a combination of IGA, R18 + ratings, app store rules, KYC and parental controls.
ACMA actively blocks illegal services and stops advertising gambling to minors.
Parents and guardians can additionally use technical filters and monitor installations on devices.
Do you want me to make a schematic infographic for this article with the chain "law - app store - KYC - parental control" for clarity? This will simplify the perception.
