The legality of real money games against free
In Queensland, the legal status of gambling depends on whether the game is played for real money or in free (demonstration) mode. Regulation is carried out under the federal Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA) and regional acts, including Casino Control Act 1982 and Gaming Machine Act 1991.
1. Real money games
Fall under the category of "interactive gambling services" and are regulated by the IGA.
Prohibited for operators without an Australian license recognized as valid.
OLGR (Queensland Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation) does not issue licenses to private online casinos, so legally in Queensland you can only play for money in licensed online bets, lotteries and sweepstakes.
Violation of the ban incurs fines for operators up to $1,665,000 AUD for each violation and up to $832,500 AUD for individuals.
2. Free (demo) games
Not considered gambling by law if:
3. Grey areas
Social casinos, which use virtual chips without a direct cash equivalent, are not always regulated, but can violate consumer protection laws if they mislead players about the possibility of winning real funds.
Free games with elements of microtransactions (buying additional chips, bonuses) are considered as a commercial service and can attract the attention of regulators in aggressive marketing.
4. Risks for operators
Providing free games as bait for illegal online casinos could be grounds for blocking the ACMA website.
The use of demo games in advertising must comply with the rules on the inadmissibility of misrepresentation and be inaccessible to minors.
5. For the players
Playing the free versions doesn't break the law.
Going into real money mode on an offshore platform takes away a player's protection of Australian law.
Demo games can encourage riskier behavior when switching to real bets.
6. Final conclusion
In Queensland, real money games are highly regulated and only available from licensed operators, while free versions are allowed, but provided there is no cash winnings and hidden conversion mechanisms. Any platform offering demo games as a tool to attract illegal gambling services may be subject to ACMA sanctions.
1. Real money games
Fall under the category of "interactive gambling services" and are regulated by the IGA.
Prohibited for operators without an Australian license recognized as valid.
OLGR (Queensland Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation) does not issue licenses to private online casinos, so legally in Queensland you can only play for money in licensed online bets, lotteries and sweepstakes.
Violation of the ban incurs fines for operators up to $1,665,000 AUD for each violation and up to $832,500 AUD for individuals.
2. Free (demo) games
Not considered gambling by law if:
- participation does not require a deposit or other form of payment;
- winnings have no monetary or material value;
- there is no mechanism for converting virtual winnings into real money.
- Demos can even be offered by offshore operators, but if they are accompanied by the possibility of an instant transition to playing for money, ACMA may recognize them as part of an illegal gambling service.
3. Grey areas
Social casinos, which use virtual chips without a direct cash equivalent, are not always regulated, but can violate consumer protection laws if they mislead players about the possibility of winning real funds.
Free games with elements of microtransactions (buying additional chips, bonuses) are considered as a commercial service and can attract the attention of regulators in aggressive marketing.
4. Risks for operators
Providing free games as bait for illegal online casinos could be grounds for blocking the ACMA website.
The use of demo games in advertising must comply with the rules on the inadmissibility of misrepresentation and be inaccessible to minors.
5. For the players
Playing the free versions doesn't break the law.
Going into real money mode on an offshore platform takes away a player's protection of Australian law.
Demo games can encourage riskier behavior when switching to real bets.
6. Final conclusion
In Queensland, real money games are highly regulated and only available from licensed operators, while free versions are allowed, but provided there is no cash winnings and hidden conversion mechanisms. Any platform offering demo games as a tool to attract illegal gambling services may be subject to ACMA sanctions.
