Australia Live Casino Guide
Online Casino ProhibitedAustralia has some of the world's strictest online gambling laws. The Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA) prohibits all online casino games, including live dealer games, from being offered to Australian residents.
Legal Status
Prohibited. Online casino gaming, including live dealer games, is illegal to offer to Australian residents under federal law. The ACMA actively blocks offshore casino websites and can impose civil penalties on operators. While players are not prosecuted, they have no legal protection if disputes arise.
Prohibited Online Gambling Activities
Online Casino Games
ProhibitedAll online pokies, table games (blackjack, roulette, baccarat), and video poker are banned.
Live Dealer Games
ProhibitedLive streamed casino games from real dealers are explicitly banned under the IGA.
Online Poker
ProhibitedReal-money online poker was banned in 2017 amendments. Offshore sites were blocked.
In-Play Sports Betting
ProhibitedLive/in-play betting online is banned. Only phone betting with licensed bookmakers permitted.
Legal Gambling Activities in Australia
Pre-Match Sports Betting
LegalLicensed Australian bookmakers (Sportsbet, TAB, Ladbrokes AU, bet365 AU) can offer pre-event wagering.
Horse Racing
LegalBetting on thoroughbred, harness, and greyhound racing is legal and popular.
Lotteries
LegalState-run lotteries (Powerball, Oz Lotto) and scratchies are permitted.
Keno
LegalKeno games through licensed outlets and state lottery operators are legal.
Land-Based Casinos
LegalPhysical casinos operate in each state under state/territory licenses.
Land-Based Casino Options
While online casino is prohibited, Australia has several world-class land-based casinos. Each state/territory regulates its own gambling venues.
Crown Melbourne
Australias largest casino complex
Crown Sydney
Opened 2021, high-roller focused
The Star Sydney
Under ILGA investigation
The Star Gold Coast
Formerly Jupiters
Treasury Brisbane
Star Entertainment property
SkyCity Adelaide
NZ operator
Crown Perth
Burswood Casino
Wrest Point
Australias first casino (1973)
Key Legislation
Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA)
The primary federal law prohibiting online casino services to Australian residents. Amended multiple times to close loopholes.
2017 IGA Amendments
Expanded the definition of prohibited gambling services. Banned online poker, in-play betting, and credit betting. Introduced penalties for operators.
ACMA Powers
The Australian Communications and Media Authority can request ISPs block unlicensed gambling websites and issue civil penalties.
State/Territory Laws
Each state regulates land-based gambling, sports betting licenses, and lotteries independently.
Enforcement Timeline
PokerStars, 888, PartyPoker exit Australian market following IGA amendments.
ACMA begins website blocking program. 100+ offshore casino sites blocked.
Chumba Casino, LuckyLand blocked. Social casino loopholes closed.
ACMA blocks 600+ gambling websites. Payment blocking trials begin.
Crown Melbourne loses license temporarily. Royal Commission findings implemented.
Over 1,000 websites blocked. ACMA increases enforcement against crypto casinos.
Risks of Using Offshore Casinos
Some offshore casinos still accept Australian players despite the IGA. However, using these sites carries significant risks:
- No legal recourse for disputes - Australian courts will not help
- Websites may be blocked without notice, trapping funds
- Payment methods increasingly blocked by Australian banks
- No responsible gambling protections or self-exclusion
- ACMA blocking list includes 1,000+ sites and growing
Responsible Gambling Resources
Gamblers Help
State-based counselling services
BetStop: Australia launched a national self-exclusion register in 2022. Register once to be excluded from all licensed Australian wagering services.
Legal Alternatives for Australians
Visit Land-Based Casinos
Crown, Star, and SkyCity venues offer full live dealer experiences in person.
Licensed Sports Betting
bet365 AU, Sportsbet, TAB, and Ladbrokes AU offer pre-match wagering legally.
Horse Racing
Australia has a strong racing culture with legal online betting through licensed TABs.
State Lotteries
Powerball, Oz Lotto, and state lotteries offer legal jackpot games.
Social Casinos
Free-to-play social casino apps (no real money) are a legal option for entertainment.
Travel to Legal Jurisdictions
New Zealand, Macau, and Singapore offer legal casino gaming for visitors.
Australian Players: Know Your Options
While online casinos are prohibited under Australian law, learn about the legal landscape, offshore realities, and alternatives available.
View Australian Options