Differences in regulation of online gambling between Queensland and NSW
In Australia, gambling regulation, including online gambling, is defined by the federal Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA), but each state and territory has its own rules and oversight bodies. Queensland and New South Wales (NSW) are the two largest markets where the regulatory approach has notable differences.
1. Regulatory authorities
Queensland: Control is exercised by the Queensland Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR).
NSW: Liquor & Gaming NSW has oversight.
Both structures operate within the IGA, but develop their own licensing requirements and procedures for acceptable types of online games.
2. Licensing
Queensland: no online casino licenses issued; only sports betting, sweepstakes and state lotteries are allowed.
NSW: The situation is similar - there are no online casino licences but sports betting, racing and lottery permits are issued. However, NSW has a more developed system of issuing licenses for betting activities and strictly controls advertising.
3. Advertising and Marketing
Queensland: Restrictions on gambling advertising are set by OLGR and largely comply with federal regulations; ad times are limited, but regional tightening is few.
NSW: tighter policy in place; additional bans on outdoor advertising near schools and transport hubs, restrictions on bonus offers and marketing through push notifications have been introduced.
4. Responsible play
Queensland: deposit limits and self-exclusion instruments are mandatory; there is a unified register of self-exclusion for licensed ground and online operators.
NSW: Limits and self-exclusion systems are also applied, but the integrated BetStop service is implemented, which connects federal and regional bases of self-excluded players, which makes the restrictions more ambitious.
5. Control and sanctions
Queensland: OLGR applies fines and licence suspensions; blocking of sites and payment channels is carried out jointly with ACMA.
NSW: In addition to similar measures, it is possible to confiscate equipment and completely suspend the operator's activities in the state in case of repeated violations.
6. For the players
In both states, participating in offshore online casinos is not a criminal offense, but it carries the same risks - the lack of winnings protection and the ability to block transactions.
In NSW, enforcement of age limits and identity verification is stricter, with age verification mandatory before betting.
7. Final conclusion
Although the basic rules of online gambling in Queensland and NSW are shaped by the federal IGA, the differences relate to the level of control, advertising restrictions and the integration of responsible play systems. NSW is tougher on advertising and player identification, while Queensland has more moderate regional regulation.
1. Regulatory authorities
Queensland: Control is exercised by the Queensland Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR).
NSW: Liquor & Gaming NSW has oversight.
Both structures operate within the IGA, but develop their own licensing requirements and procedures for acceptable types of online games.
2. Licensing
Queensland: no online casino licenses issued; only sports betting, sweepstakes and state lotteries are allowed.
NSW: The situation is similar - there are no online casino licences but sports betting, racing and lottery permits are issued. However, NSW has a more developed system of issuing licenses for betting activities and strictly controls advertising.
3. Advertising and Marketing
Queensland: Restrictions on gambling advertising are set by OLGR and largely comply with federal regulations; ad times are limited, but regional tightening is few.
NSW: tighter policy in place; additional bans on outdoor advertising near schools and transport hubs, restrictions on bonus offers and marketing through push notifications have been introduced.
4. Responsible play
Queensland: deposit limits and self-exclusion instruments are mandatory; there is a unified register of self-exclusion for licensed ground and online operators.
NSW: Limits and self-exclusion systems are also applied, but the integrated BetStop service is implemented, which connects federal and regional bases of self-excluded players, which makes the restrictions more ambitious.
5. Control and sanctions
Queensland: OLGR applies fines and licence suspensions; blocking of sites and payment channels is carried out jointly with ACMA.
NSW: In addition to similar measures, it is possible to confiscate equipment and completely suspend the operator's activities in the state in case of repeated violations.
6. For the players
In both states, participating in offshore online casinos is not a criminal offense, but it carries the same risks - the lack of winnings protection and the ability to block transactions.
In NSW, enforcement of age limits and identity verification is stricter, with age verification mandatory before betting.
7. Final conclusion
Although the basic rules of online gambling in Queensland and NSW are shaped by the federal IGA, the differences relate to the level of control, advertising restrictions and the integration of responsible play systems. NSW is tougher on advertising and player identification, while Queensland has more moderate regional regulation.
