History of online casino regulation in Queensland
Regulation of online casinos in Queensland developed in close alignment with Australia's federal legislative framework. Until the 2000s, there were practically no legal norms regarding Internet gambling, however, with the development of technology and the growth of the number of players on the network, the authorities introduced strict restrictions.
1. 1990s - the emergence of the Internet and the lack of regulation
Until the late 1990s, gambling in Australia was regulated only in the context of land-based casinos and clubs, in Queensland - as part of the Casino Control Act 1982 and Gaming Machine Act 1991.
Internet gambling was not provided for by law, so offshore operators freely accepted Australian players.
2. 2001 - Adoption of the Interactive Gambling Act (IGA)
The federal Interactive Gambling Act 2001 was a turning point.
It is prohibited to provide interactive gambling (including online casinos) to players in Australia without a domestically recognized license.
The goal is to restrict access to illegal online services and protect consumers.
3. 2000s - Queensland oversight formation
The Queensland Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR) has received additional powers to control online gambling within the capabilities provided by federal law.
Licensed ground operators offering limited online products (such as sports betting) are supervised.
4. 2010s - strengthening measures against offshore operators
ACMA is authorized to block illegal casino sites through Internet service providers.
AUSTRAC is increasing its scrutiny of transactions involving offshore gambling platforms.
Lists of blocked domains appear, access to which is blocked at the provider level.
5. 2017-2019 - IGA amendments
A mechanism of civil fines for violations for operators has been introduced.
The ban on advertising illegal online gambling, including indirect promotion, has been strengthened.
An active campaign has been launched to inform players about the risks of offshore casinos.
6. 2020-2024 - integration with international standards
Australia is updating AML/CTF requirements in line with FATF recommendations.
The interaction of ACMA with foreign regulators (MGA, UKGC, Curaçao eGaming) has been strengthened to exchange information about violators.
OLGR is implementing digital age verification and player identification tools.
7. 2025 - current situation
Online casinos are still banned for private operators in Queensland, with the exception of some public lotteries and licensed betting.
Control is carried out in conjunction: ACMA - blocking illegal sites, OLGR - supervision of ground operators, AUSTRAC - monitoring transactions.
Discussions about the possible legalization of certain types of interactive games (for example, poker) continue, but there are no changes yet.
Final conclusion
The history of online casino regulation in Queensland is the transition from a complete lack of control in the 1990s to a strict system of supervision in the 2020s. Today, the law is fully integrated with federal regulations, and regulation is aimed at limiting illegal offshore operators and protecting players.
1. 1990s - the emergence of the Internet and the lack of regulation
Until the late 1990s, gambling in Australia was regulated only in the context of land-based casinos and clubs, in Queensland - as part of the Casino Control Act 1982 and Gaming Machine Act 1991.
Internet gambling was not provided for by law, so offshore operators freely accepted Australian players.
2. 2001 - Adoption of the Interactive Gambling Act (IGA)
The federal Interactive Gambling Act 2001 was a turning point.
It is prohibited to provide interactive gambling (including online casinos) to players in Australia without a domestically recognized license.
The goal is to restrict access to illegal online services and protect consumers.
3. 2000s - Queensland oversight formation
The Queensland Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR) has received additional powers to control online gambling within the capabilities provided by federal law.
Licensed ground operators offering limited online products (such as sports betting) are supervised.
4. 2010s - strengthening measures against offshore operators
ACMA is authorized to block illegal casino sites through Internet service providers.
AUSTRAC is increasing its scrutiny of transactions involving offshore gambling platforms.
Lists of blocked domains appear, access to which is blocked at the provider level.
5. 2017-2019 - IGA amendments
A mechanism of civil fines for violations for operators has been introduced.
The ban on advertising illegal online gambling, including indirect promotion, has been strengthened.
An active campaign has been launched to inform players about the risks of offshore casinos.
6. 2020-2024 - integration with international standards
Australia is updating AML/CTF requirements in line with FATF recommendations.
The interaction of ACMA with foreign regulators (MGA, UKGC, Curaçao eGaming) has been strengthened to exchange information about violators.
OLGR is implementing digital age verification and player identification tools.
7. 2025 - current situation
Online casinos are still banned for private operators in Queensland, with the exception of some public lotteries and licensed betting.
Control is carried out in conjunction: ACMA - blocking illegal sites, OLGR - supervision of ground operators, AUSTRAC - monitoring transactions.
Discussions about the possible legalization of certain types of interactive games (for example, poker) continue, but there are no changes yet.
Final conclusion
The history of online casino regulation in Queensland is the transition from a complete lack of control in the 1990s to a strict system of supervision in the 2020s. Today, the law is fully integrated with federal regulations, and regulation is aimed at limiting illegal offshore operators and protecting players.
