Using these powers, the federal government has enacted legislation regulating, amongst other things, interactive gambling, anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) and consumer and competition protections (also known as anti-trust matters in some other jurisdictions). Visit our recommended online casinos for legal, secure platforms with engaging games and generous bonuses. At Casino Sites Review, we prioritize responsible gambling to ensure gaming remains fun and safe. Join our newsletter and get the lowdown on the latest pokies, top bonuses, and new casinos - no bluffing! There are also various subordinate legislative instruments, including regulations, which have not been included. For completeness, it is worth noting that, to a lesser extent, local government bodies in most states and territories also regulate gambling from a local government and town planning perspective, but typically only as it relates to gaming machines and their operation within the relevant municipal district. Any skill games and competitions with no element of chance are not typically regarded as gambling, but may fall within certain ‘interactive gaming’ regimes when operated online and be regulated by state and territory gambling regulators. Poker is typically played within casinos and is regulated as a table game by the state and territory gambling regulators detailed below. We rigorously evaluate offshore casinos to ensure they’re safe, legal, and tailored for Aussie players. Our top picks, like Sky Crown Casino and Ricky Casino, meet these standards, providing AUD-friendly platforms with secure, audited games and bonuses up to AU$7,500 + 550 free spins. For specific regulations, visit the respective authority’s website or check our casino reviews for compliant platforms. Separately, SkyCity Group (SA) was ordered by the Federal Court to pay a $67 million penalty in June 2024, after AUSTRAC launched civil penalty proceedings against it for breaches of the AML/CTF legislation. The regulator made a determination that the licensee has returned to suitability to hold the Melbourne casino licence. Other regulatory action has been taken for responsible gambling, advertising-related and other matters. Gaming machine and other equipment manufacturers, software developers and technical services suppliers selling products and/or services used for gambling-related activities are also required to hold a relevant licence (including providers of gaming machine monitoring services). Retail operations are typically conducted using authorised agents and licensing distribution arrangements. A casino licence permits the relevant casino to typically offer traditional table games and gaming machines. A state or territory licence is typically required to operate a bingo centre in the relevant jurisdiction. Casino table gaming and gaming machines, Retail Wagering, lotteries and keno all require an operator licence, which is typically long-dated and is granted by the relevant Australian state or territory. Each of Australia’s eight mainland states and territories separately regulates gambling activities within each of their respective jurisdictions. Instead, gambling in Australia is regulated at both the state/territory and federal level. If games are not entirely skill-based (that is, there is an element of chance), then they will be subject to the relevant gaming laws. Casinos are generally subject to periodic Licence reviews (often every five years). Gaming machine permits/licences have typically been perpetual in Australia, other than in certain states such as Vic, which operate for 20 years from August 2022 onwards. The duration of major operator licences depends upon the legislative framework in the relevant state or territory and is subject to possible change upon a licence renewal or new licence being issued. Various states (including NSW and Vic) have implemented harm minimisation measures to cap the number of gaming machine permits/licences on issue in certain lower socio-economic areas. An application for a Corporate Bookmaker Licence issued in the NT, or an application for an On-course Bookmaker Licence, typically takes between three and six months for approval and can be made at any time. The number of licences available are limited and there are typically only one per state and territory (except in the case of current casino licences held in each of Qld, NT and NSW, the two recently issued Vic keno licences, and potentially for new wagering licences) and the processes are very infrequent. For example, in New South Wales or Queensland, pokies can be found in pubs or casinos, whereas in Western Australia, pokies are only allowed in the Crown Perth Casino. Since each state or territory manages its own laws, players need to be aware this may impact what types of gambling are available, how they are accessed, and what protections are offered. The act aims to shield customers from addiction, financial strain, and social repercussions caused by irresponsible gambling. Australia has a range of safeguards designed to minimize the risk of addiction and potential harm for those who wish to participate in online gambling. The ACMA collaborates with international regulators on this and can block or blacklist sites that are in breach of the IGA’s rules. It monitors gambling services, investigates complaints, and enforces compliance when necessary. States regulate and license all land-based gambling such as lotteries, pokies, and casinos.
