Liability of the operator and the player in case of violation of the law
In Queensland, liability for online gambling violations is determined by the federal Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA), regional laws (Casino Control Act 1982, Gaming Machine Act 1991) and anti-money laundering regulations (Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006)
1. Operator responsibility
1. 1. For providing illegal services
Offering interactive gambling without an Australian license incurs fines:
1. 2. For violation of license terms
OLGR (Queensland Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation) licence suspension or revocation.
Fines up to $150,000 AUD for failure to comply with the norms of responsible play, age checks or AML/CTF.
1. 3. For violation of advertising rules
Fines from $250,000 AUD and above for displaying prohibited ads or using misleading information.
2. Player responsibility
2. 1. For participating in illegal online gambling
In Australia, players are not criminally or administratively liable for participating in offshore online casinos.
Main risks:
2. 2. For providing false data
An attempt to bypass the verification system or self-exclusion restrictions can lead to account blocking without a refund.
In some cases, to the transfer of data to law enforcement agencies if fraud is suspected.
2. 3. For evading tax and financial audits
Large transfers from abroad may trigger an AUSTRAC review for AML/CTF compliance.
If it is impossible to confirm the origin of the funds, the bank has the right to freeze them until the end of the investigation.
3. Difference in approach
Operators are directly legally liable, including heavy fines and a ban on activities.
Players risk mainly financial losses and lack of protection of rights, but are not subject to criminal prosecution for the very fact of the game.
4. Final conclusion
In Queensland, legislation regulates the activities of online casino operators as tightly as possible, directing the main sanctions to them. There are no direct legal penalties for players for engaging in illegal gambling, but the risks of lost funds, blocked transactions and lack of legal protection remain high.
1. Operator responsibility
1. 1. For providing illegal services
Offering interactive gambling without an Australian license incurs fines:
- up to $1,665,000 AUD for each violation for legal entities;
- up to $832,500 AUD for individuals (owners or directors).
- It is possible to block the site, payment channels and advertising materials by decision of the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).
1. 2. For violation of license terms
OLGR (Queensland Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation) licence suspension or revocation.
Fines up to $150,000 AUD for failure to comply with the norms of responsible play, age checks or AML/CTF.
1. 3. For violation of advertising rules
Fines from $250,000 AUD and above for displaying prohibited ads or using misleading information.
2. Player responsibility
2. 1. For participating in illegal online gambling
In Australia, players are not criminally or administratively liable for participating in offshore online casinos.
Main risks:
- lack of legal protection for winnings;
- blocking transactions by the bank;
- loss of funds during platform closure.
2. 2. For providing false data
An attempt to bypass the verification system or self-exclusion restrictions can lead to account blocking without a refund.
In some cases, to the transfer of data to law enforcement agencies if fraud is suspected.
2. 3. For evading tax and financial audits
Large transfers from abroad may trigger an AUSTRAC review for AML/CTF compliance.
If it is impossible to confirm the origin of the funds, the bank has the right to freeze them until the end of the investigation.
3. Difference in approach
Operators are directly legally liable, including heavy fines and a ban on activities.
Players risk mainly financial losses and lack of protection of rights, but are not subject to criminal prosecution for the very fact of the game.
4. Final conclusion
In Queensland, legislation regulates the activities of online casino operators as tightly as possible, directing the main sanctions to them. There are no direct legal penalties for players for engaging in illegal gambling, but the risks of lost funds, blocked transactions and lack of legal protection remain high.
