Online poker: Is it legal in Queensland
In Queensland, the legal status of online poker is determined by the federal Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA) and local laws, including the Casino Control Act 1982. Although poker is a game that combines elements of strategy and randomness, in Australia it is classified as an interactive gambling service and subject to the same restrictions as online casinos.
1. Federal regulation
The IGA prohibits operators without an Australian licence from offering online poker to players based in Australia.
Licenses to provide online poker to private companies within the country are not issued, except for rare special permits for tournaments for research or test purposes.
The ban applies to both cash games and online buy-in tournaments.
2. Queensland position
The Queensland Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR) does not have the power to issue online poker licences if it is contrary to the IGA.
Legally, only live (offline) poker can be played in licensed land-based casinos and clubs in Queensland.
3. Access to offshore platforms
Players can technically register on foreign sites (licenses Malta, Curacao, Isle of Man, etc.), but these operators are not regulated by Australian law.
Risks: no guarantee of payouts, blocked ACMA access, frozen transactions by banks, inability to challenge a dispute in an Australian court.
4. Advertising and promotion
Online poker advertising is banned in Australia unless the service is locally licensed.
Violation of advertising standards entails fines of up to $1,665,000 AUD for companies and up to $832,500 AUD for individuals.
5. Prospects for legalization
There is an ongoing debate in 2025 that poker is predominantly a game of skill rather than pure luck, and it should be regulated separately from other forms of gambling.
At the start of 2025, there are no legislative changes to allow online poker in Queensland Territory.
6. Final conclusion
In Queensland, online poker is officially illegal for operators working for the domestic market. Players using offshore platforms do so at their own risk, without the protection of Australian law. Prospects for legalization are being discussed, but so far there are no changes in legal status.
1. Federal regulation
The IGA prohibits operators without an Australian licence from offering online poker to players based in Australia.
Licenses to provide online poker to private companies within the country are not issued, except for rare special permits for tournaments for research or test purposes.
The ban applies to both cash games and online buy-in tournaments.
2. Queensland position
The Queensland Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR) does not have the power to issue online poker licences if it is contrary to the IGA.
Legally, only live (offline) poker can be played in licensed land-based casinos and clubs in Queensland.
3. Access to offshore platforms
Players can technically register on foreign sites (licenses Malta, Curacao, Isle of Man, etc.), but these operators are not regulated by Australian law.
Risks: no guarantee of payouts, blocked ACMA access, frozen transactions by banks, inability to challenge a dispute in an Australian court.
4. Advertising and promotion
Online poker advertising is banned in Australia unless the service is locally licensed.
Violation of advertising standards entails fines of up to $1,665,000 AUD for companies and up to $832,500 AUD for individuals.
5. Prospects for legalization
There is an ongoing debate in 2025 that poker is predominantly a game of skill rather than pure luck, and it should be regulated separately from other forms of gambling.
At the start of 2025, there are no legislative changes to allow online poker in Queensland Territory.
6. Final conclusion
In Queensland, online poker is officially illegal for operators working for the domestic market. Players using offshore platforms do so at their own risk, without the protection of Australian law. Prospects for legalization are being discussed, but so far there are no changes in legal status.
