Is VPN allowed for slot access
Is VPN allowed for slot access (Australia)
Current on: 11 August 2025
Short answer
VPN use is generally legal in Australia. However, online slots and other casino games (pokies, roulette, blackjack, etc.) are a type of "interactive gambling services" prohibited for operators under the federal law Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA). VPN does not make such services legal for Australian users: the regulator (ACMA) blocks illegal sites and pursues operators and their advertising, and the player is left without legal protection and risks losing money.
What exactly is prohibited by IGA
The IGA expressly prohibits offering the following online services to people in Australia: online casinos and slots (pokies), sports in-play betting, betting with operators without an Australian license and betting on the outcome of lotteries. Advertising of such services in Australia is also prohibited. These bans are aimed at providers and advertisers.
Legality of VPN
Australian law does not prohibit the use of VPN as a technology (for privacy, remote work, etc.). But the legality of actions through a VPN is assessed according to general rules: if a service (for example, an online casino) is prohibited for provision in Australia, the use of a VPN does not change the legal assessment of the service itself and the conditions for its access to the Australian audience.
Why VPN Doesn't Solve the Slot Access Problem
1. ACMA and cat and mouse locks. Since 2019, ACMA has systematically sought to block illegal sites from Australian providers; lists are regularly updated. Even if the "mirror" is temporarily available, it quickly falls under the lock.
2. Lack of consumer protection. Illegal sites do not have an Australian license: they often do not withdraw winnings, close accounts, continue writing off after closing - it is almost impossible to return the money.
3. The risk of blocking and confiscation by the site itself. Most offshore casinos prohibit VPNs in their regulations; identification leads to freezing of the account/funds and refusal to pay. (ACMA explicitly warns, "if a service looks legal, it likely doesn't have the right protections.")
4. KYC/AML filters. Sites and payment partners are required to verify their identity and monitor transactions under anti-money laundering laws; VPNs and geodata mismatches typically cause increased inspection and blocking.
What the regulator is doing right now (2024-2025)
Regular blocking of illegal sites and their "mirrors." Examples: another wave of locks on July 17, 2025.
Investigations and warnings to operators/affiliates. In the reports for 2025 - dozens of established violations for "providing prohibited services" and "advertising."
Pressure to advance. ACMA separately warns influencers: promotion of illegal online casinos (including slots) is a violation for which significant fines are provided.
What is allowed for a player under Australian law
Bets from licensed Australian bookmakers/betting (interactive wagering) - permissible if the operator has an Australian license. Before registering, check the provider in the register of licensed interactive operators.
Online casinos/slots - no. The provision of these games in Australia is prohibited by the IGA; you cannot advertise them either.
Responsibility and risks for the user
The legal focus is on operators and advertising. ACMA investigates and authorizes the provision and advertising of prohibited services, and also seeks blocking. This does not give the player the rights to protect/pay off illegal sites; on the contrary, the risk of non-return of funds is extremely high.
Violation of service rules. Using a VPN often violates the T&C of offshore sites → freezing an account, confiscating a balance, and refusing a cashout. ACMA directly warns of frequent losses of funds from such operators.
Financial compliance. Payments through offshore schemes and mismatched geolocation/identity data make KYC/AML transactions and requests more likely to be blocked.
Conclusion
VPN is legal as a tool, but accessing slots via VPN does not make the illegal offshore service legal for Australian audiences and leaves the player unprotected. The regulator consistently blocks such sites, pursues operators and advertising. The practical effect is a high risk of loss of funds and locks.
Safe alternative: Only use Australian licensed interactive betting operators and check them against the official register. Online slots/casinos in Australia are outside the legal field for operators.
Current on: 11 August 2025
Short answer
VPN use is generally legal in Australia. However, online slots and other casino games (pokies, roulette, blackjack, etc.) are a type of "interactive gambling services" prohibited for operators under the federal law Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA). VPN does not make such services legal for Australian users: the regulator (ACMA) blocks illegal sites and pursues operators and their advertising, and the player is left without legal protection and risks losing money.
What exactly is prohibited by IGA
The IGA expressly prohibits offering the following online services to people in Australia: online casinos and slots (pokies), sports in-play betting, betting with operators without an Australian license and betting on the outcome of lotteries. Advertising of such services in Australia is also prohibited. These bans are aimed at providers and advertisers.
Legality of VPN
Australian law does not prohibit the use of VPN as a technology (for privacy, remote work, etc.). But the legality of actions through a VPN is assessed according to general rules: if a service (for example, an online casino) is prohibited for provision in Australia, the use of a VPN does not change the legal assessment of the service itself and the conditions for its access to the Australian audience.
Why VPN Doesn't Solve the Slot Access Problem
1. ACMA and cat and mouse locks. Since 2019, ACMA has systematically sought to block illegal sites from Australian providers; lists are regularly updated. Even if the "mirror" is temporarily available, it quickly falls under the lock.
2. Lack of consumer protection. Illegal sites do not have an Australian license: they often do not withdraw winnings, close accounts, continue writing off after closing - it is almost impossible to return the money.
3. The risk of blocking and confiscation by the site itself. Most offshore casinos prohibit VPNs in their regulations; identification leads to freezing of the account/funds and refusal to pay. (ACMA explicitly warns, "if a service looks legal, it likely doesn't have the right protections.")
4. KYC/AML filters. Sites and payment partners are required to verify their identity and monitor transactions under anti-money laundering laws; VPNs and geodata mismatches typically cause increased inspection and blocking.
What the regulator is doing right now (2024-2025)
Regular blocking of illegal sites and their "mirrors." Examples: another wave of locks on July 17, 2025.
Investigations and warnings to operators/affiliates. In the reports for 2025 - dozens of established violations for "providing prohibited services" and "advertising."
Pressure to advance. ACMA separately warns influencers: promotion of illegal online casinos (including slots) is a violation for which significant fines are provided.
What is allowed for a player under Australian law
Bets from licensed Australian bookmakers/betting (interactive wagering) - permissible if the operator has an Australian license. Before registering, check the provider in the register of licensed interactive operators.
Online casinos/slots - no. The provision of these games in Australia is prohibited by the IGA; you cannot advertise them either.
Responsibility and risks for the user
The legal focus is on operators and advertising. ACMA investigates and authorizes the provision and advertising of prohibited services, and also seeks blocking. This does not give the player the rights to protect/pay off illegal sites; on the contrary, the risk of non-return of funds is extremely high.
Violation of service rules. Using a VPN often violates the T&C of offshore sites → freezing an account, confiscating a balance, and refusing a cashout. ACMA directly warns of frequent losses of funds from such operators.
Financial compliance. Payments through offshore schemes and mismatched geolocation/identity data make KYC/AML transactions and requests more likely to be blocked.
Conclusion
VPN is legal as a tool, but accessing slots via VPN does not make the illegal offshore service legal for Australian audiences and leaves the player unprotected. The regulator consistently blocks such sites, pursues operators and advertising. The practical effect is a high risk of loss of funds and locks.
Safe alternative: Only use Australian licensed interactive betting operators and check them against the official register. Online slots/casinos in Australia are outside the legal field for operators.
💡Note: The material is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. For an individual assessment of the situation, contact an Australian law lawyer.
