Online slots and cryptocurrencies: legal status
In Australia, Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA) prohibits Australian operators from offering real-money online slots to local users. The ban applies not only to fiat currencies, but also to cryptocurrencies, since they are recognized as a form of value that can be exchanged for money or goods.
1. Cryptocurrency = means of payment
In a legal context, cryptocurrency is seen as a digital asset that can be used to buy goods, services or exchange for fiat.
If a bet in a slot is made in bitcoin, ethereum or any other token, it is considered monetary.
Consequently, online slots with cryptocurrency bets fall under the same ban as Australian dollar games.
2. Legal and illegal formats
Allowed: the use of cryptocurrencies in land-based casinos, if the license and state regulator allow it (in practice it is extremely rare).
Banned: Any online slots for cryptocurrencies offered to Australian players, even if the site is registered in an offshore jurisdiction.
Not regulated: cryptocurrency games in the format of social or demo versions, where there is no way to withdraw funds.
3. Role of ACMA and blocking
ACMA considers cryptoslots on a par with any other prohibited gambling products.
Platforms offering crypto bets to Australians are on the block list.
Using a VPN to bypass blocking does not negate the fact of participating in a prohibited gambling game.
4. Risks of playing cryptoslots
Lack of legal protection in a dispute with the operator.
High volatility of cryptocurrencies increases financial risks.
The possibility of loss of funds due to technical errors or wallet hacking.
Difficulty tracking transactions and recovering funds from fraud.
5. Why cryptocurrency doesn't exempt from ban
The law focuses not on the form of currency, but on the very fact of the presence of monetary value.
Even if the site only accepts cryptocurrencies and does not support fiat, a token-winning game is considered gambling and falls under the IGA.
6. Final conclusion
In Australia, online slots for cryptocurrencies have the same legal status as fiat money slots - they are not allowed to be offered online to Australian players. Cryptocurrency is not a loophole to circumvent the law. Any participation in cryptoslots carries the same legal and financial risks as playing real money in offshore online casinos.
1. Cryptocurrency = means of payment
In a legal context, cryptocurrency is seen as a digital asset that can be used to buy goods, services or exchange for fiat.
If a bet in a slot is made in bitcoin, ethereum or any other token, it is considered monetary.
Consequently, online slots with cryptocurrency bets fall under the same ban as Australian dollar games.
2. Legal and illegal formats
Allowed: the use of cryptocurrencies in land-based casinos, if the license and state regulator allow it (in practice it is extremely rare).
Banned: Any online slots for cryptocurrencies offered to Australian players, even if the site is registered in an offshore jurisdiction.
Not regulated: cryptocurrency games in the format of social or demo versions, where there is no way to withdraw funds.
3. Role of ACMA and blocking
ACMA considers cryptoslots on a par with any other prohibited gambling products.
Platforms offering crypto bets to Australians are on the block list.
Using a VPN to bypass blocking does not negate the fact of participating in a prohibited gambling game.
4. Risks of playing cryptoslots
Lack of legal protection in a dispute with the operator.
High volatility of cryptocurrencies increases financial risks.
The possibility of loss of funds due to technical errors or wallet hacking.
Difficulty tracking transactions and recovering funds from fraud.
5. Why cryptocurrency doesn't exempt from ban
The law focuses not on the form of currency, but on the very fact of the presence of monetary value.
Even if the site only accepts cryptocurrencies and does not support fiat, a token-winning game is considered gambling and falls under the IGA.
6. Final conclusion
In Australia, online slots for cryptocurrencies have the same legal status as fiat money slots - they are not allowed to be offered online to Australian players. Cryptocurrency is not a loophole to circumvent the law. Any participation in cryptoslots carries the same legal and financial risks as playing real money in offshore online casinos.
