Australia Gambling News
The latest Australian gambling news – casino inquiries and penalties, action against illegal offshore sites, online wagering reforms and updates from Australia's biggest casinos.
Major Themes in Australian Gambling
- Casino inquiries – major operators have faced public inquiries over money laundering and harm, leading to large fines and stricter oversight.
- Illegal online gambling – the regulator ACMA regularly blocks offshore casino websites that target Australians.
- Wagering reforms – the national self-exclusion register BetStop launched in 2023, and credit cards were banned for online wagering in 2024.
- Advertising – ongoing debate about limits on gambling advertising.
- Pokies – state-level reforms on gaming machines in pubs and clubs.
Who Regulates Gambling in Australia?
Online gambling is governed federally by the Interactive Gambling Act 2001, enforced by ACMA. Land-based casinos, pokies and licensed betting are regulated by state and territory authorities. Under the IGA, online casino games cannot be offered to people in Australia, while licensed sports betting is legal.
For a player's view of the rules, read our guide to online casinos in Australia.
Land-Based Casinos and Pokies
Australia has one of the highest numbers of gaming machines per person in the world, mostly in pubs and clubs. State governments regularly debate reforms such as cashless gaming cards, lower load-up limits and shorter operating hours. Major casinos in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Brisbane are also regularly in the news.
Under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001, online casino games cannot legally be offered to people in Australia. Licensed online sports betting and lotteries are legal.
BetStop is Australia's national self-exclusion register, launched in 2023, which lets people exclude themselves from all licensed online and phone betting providers.