Australia has one of the highest gambling participation rates in the world. Whether it’s a flutter on the Melbourne Cup or a weekend sports multi, betting is deeply ingrained in the national culture. However, the legal landscape for online gambling in Australia is often misunderstood.
With the introduction of new federal reforms in 2025, including the “Know Your Losses” activity statements and stricter advertising bans, staying informed is more important than ever. This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of what is legal, what is banned, and how you can stay safe while betting online in Australia.
The Legal Framework: The Interactive Gambling Act 2001
The primary piece of legislation governing the online space is the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA). While it has been amended several times—most notably in 2017 and again with 2024–2025 reforms—its core purpose remains the same: to protect Australians from the harmful effects of gambling.
Interestingly, the IGA does not target the individual player. Instead, it focuses on the service providers. It is not illegal for an Australian citizen to access a gambling site, but it is illegal for a company to provide certain “prohibited” services to someone located in Australia.
What is Legal?
If an operator is licensed by an Australian state or territory (such as the Northern Territory Racing Commission), they can legally offer:
- Sports Betting: Pre-match wagering on AFL, NRL, Cricket, Soccer, and more.
- Horse and Greyhound Racing: Fixed-odds and tote betting.
- Lotteries: Online tickets for major draws like Powerball and Oz Lotto.
What is Prohibited?
Under the IGA, several forms of online gambling are strictly banned:
- Online Casinos: This includes online slots (pokies), roulette, blackjack, and baccarat.
- In-Play Sports Betting: You cannot place a “live” bet via a website or app once a match has started (though telephone betting is sometimes a loophole).
- Online Poker: Interactive poker games against other players are prohibited.
- Unlicensed Services: Any site offering wagering without an Australian license is considered an illegal offshore provider.
2025 Updates: New Protections for Players
The Australian government has recently accelerated its harm-minimisation efforts. If you are gambling in 2025, you will notice several new features designed to keep you in control:
- Know Your Losses Activity Statements: As of February 2025, licensed wagering apps must display a real-time activity statement. This shows your wins and losses for the month, year, and lifetime, ensuring you have a clear picture of your spending.
- BetStop – The National Self-Exclusion Register: This allows you to ban yourself from all licensed Australian online wagering services in a single step. Once registered, providers are legally barred from accepting your bets or sending you marketing.
- Credit Card & Crypto Ban: To prevent people from gambling with money they don’t have, the use of credit cards and cryptocurrencies for online betting is now prohibited across all licensed Australian platforms.
The Risk of Offshore “Illegal” Sites
Many Australians are lured by offshore sites that offer “online pokies” or “live dealer” games. These sites often use “.ag” or “.lv” domains and claim to be licensed in jurisdictions like Curaçao or Costa Rica.
The Danger: Because these sites operate outside Australian law, you have zero consumer protection. If an offshore site refuses to pay out your $10,000 win, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) cannot help you. Furthermore, these sites are known for “vanishing” or selling user data to third parties.
State vs. Federal Regulation
While the IGA is a federal law, the actual licensing of bookmakers happens at the state level.
| State/Territory | Primary Regulator |
| Victoria | Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) |
| New South Wales | Liquor & Gaming NSW |
| Northern Territory | Northern Territory Racing Commission (NTRC) |
| Queensland | Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR) |
The Northern Territory is the most popular licensing hub for major operators like Bet365, Sportsbet, and Ladbrokes due to its established regulatory framework for “corporate bookmakers.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it illegal for me to play on an offshore casino site?
No, the law targets the provider, not the player. You won’t be prosecuted for playing, but you are at a massive risk of losing your money with no legal recourse if the site refuses to pay.
2. Why can’t I place live bets on my phone?
Under the IGA, “in-play” betting is banned online to prevent impulsive “chase” betting. You can only place live bets by calling the bookmaker’s dedicated “live betting” phone line.
3. Are my gambling winnings taxed in Australia?
No. In Australia, gambling is viewed as a hobby or a result of good luck, not a profession. Therefore, winnings are not considered taxable income.
4. How do I know if a betting site is legal in Australia?
Legal sites must display their Australian license information (usually in the footer). You can also check the ACMA Register of Licensed Interactive Wagering Services.
5. What is BetStop?
BetStop is a free Australian government service that lets you self-exclude from all 150+ licensed online and phone wagering providers for a period ranging from 3 months to a lifetime.
6. Can I use Bitcoin to bet on Australian sites?
No. Recent 2024–2025 regulations have banned the use of cryptocurrencies and credit cards for online wagering to promote responsible gambling.
7. Is online poker legal in Australia?
Standard online poker (player vs. player) is prohibited under the IGA. While some “social” poker apps exist, playing for real money on major international poker sites is illegal for the provider to offer.
8. What happens if I use a VPN to access banned sites?
While a VPN might bypass geo-blocks, you will likely fail the “Know Your Customer” (KYC) identity checks required for withdrawals, meaning you can deposit money but never get it out.
9. Who do I complain to if a legal bookmaker treats me unfairly?
You should first contact the bookmaker’s specific state regulator (e.g., the Northern Territory Racing Commission) or the ACMA if it relates to a breach of the IGA.
10. Are online “pokies” ever legal in Australia?
No. Online slots (pokies) are 100% prohibited under the Interactive Gambling Act. They are only legal in physical venues like pubs, clubs, and land-based casinos.
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