Online casino legality in 2025 - are there changes
In 2025, the legal regulation of online casinos in Queensland remains tight and is largely determined by the federal Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA). Despite public discussions and proposals on the possible legalization of certain forms of interactive gambling, there were no fundamental changes in the legislation at the beginning of 2025.
1. Current status
Online casinos offering real money games (roulette, blackjack, baccarat, slot machines, poker with live dealers) remain prohibited from operating in Australia without a license recognized in the country.
Queensland operators can only obtain licences for sports betting, betting and state lotteries.
OLGR does not issue licenses for private online casinos.
2. Changes in 2025
ACMA has expanded its list of blocked offshore sites, including cryptocurrency and multi-currency account-enabled platforms.
Control over payment transactions to unlicensed operators has been strengthened: banks and processing companies are required to reject suspicious transfers.
Updated federal guidelines for advertising gambling have been launched, including restrictions on sponsorship of eSports events.
3. Role of OLGR in 2025
Continues to monitor licensed operators and process player complaints.
Together with ACMA, it participates in monitoring illegal activities and informing the public about the risks of offshore casinos.
Tightened age and personality verification requirements in online betting and lotteries.
4. Implications for players
Access to foreign online casinos is technically possible through workarounds, but there is no legal protection for winnings.
The likelihood of blocking transactions and freezing funds when transferring to the accounts of offshore operators has been increased.
Playing licensed Australian online services (betting, lotteries) remains legal and safe.
5. Future prospects
In 2025, the possibility of launching pilot programs for licensing certain types of online games within the framework of strict conditions for responsible play is being discussed.
Implementing such projects would require changes to the IGA and alignment between the federal government and states, including Queensland.
6. Final conclusion
Online casinos in Queensland are still illegal for private operators in 2025. The main changes relate to strengthening control over offshore platforms and payment operations. Legalization of a full-fledged online casino is unlikely in the near future, but the topic is gradually entering the public agenda.
1. Current status
Online casinos offering real money games (roulette, blackjack, baccarat, slot machines, poker with live dealers) remain prohibited from operating in Australia without a license recognized in the country.
Queensland operators can only obtain licences for sports betting, betting and state lotteries.
OLGR does not issue licenses for private online casinos.
2. Changes in 2025
ACMA has expanded its list of blocked offshore sites, including cryptocurrency and multi-currency account-enabled platforms.
Control over payment transactions to unlicensed operators has been strengthened: banks and processing companies are required to reject suspicious transfers.
Updated federal guidelines for advertising gambling have been launched, including restrictions on sponsorship of eSports events.
3. Role of OLGR in 2025
Continues to monitor licensed operators and process player complaints.
Together with ACMA, it participates in monitoring illegal activities and informing the public about the risks of offshore casinos.
Tightened age and personality verification requirements in online betting and lotteries.
4. Implications for players
Access to foreign online casinos is technically possible through workarounds, but there is no legal protection for winnings.
The likelihood of blocking transactions and freezing funds when transferring to the accounts of offshore operators has been increased.
Playing licensed Australian online services (betting, lotteries) remains legal and safe.
5. Future prospects
In 2025, the possibility of launching pilot programs for licensing certain types of online games within the framework of strict conditions for responsible play is being discussed.
Implementing such projects would require changes to the IGA and alignment between the federal government and states, including Queensland.
6. Final conclusion
Online casinos in Queensland are still illegal for private operators in 2025. The main changes relate to strengthening control over offshore platforms and payment operations. Legalization of a full-fledged online casino is unlikely in the near future, but the topic is gradually entering the public agenda.
