Australia is most definitely a gambling-friendly destination. There are multiple licensed casinos throughout the country where you can play casino games and poker. You will also find various popular game machines located in pubs, bars, and clubs, depending on each region’s state and territorial laws. These games include slots and pokies (video poker machines).
Specific forms of sports betting are legal in Australia, with just under 3000 retail TAB (Totalisator Agency Board) outlets available at which to place your bets. Bingo (housie), lotteries, and racing are also permitted in the Land Down Under. Online gambling has also taken its place in the Aussie market. It is estimated that approximately 80% of the adult population of Australia enjoys some form of gambling.
While Australian online casinos and gambling opportunities are plentiful in the Land Down Under, understanding and complying with the legalities involved can be a little tricky. This website was created as a fact-based resource guide that provides clear, concise data to support players in making informed decisions regarding gambling entertainment.
We touch on various topics related to online and offline betting, specifically for gamblers seeking information on legal Australian gambling and all that it entails. While this guide is not intended to replace or serve as legal advice or legal services in any way, it is intended to give you insight into the legal landscape surrounding gambling in Australia. Our Australian Gambling Laws section will break down the applicable laws and governing bodies that oversee gambling regulation for Aussie residents.
Best Legal Online Gambling Sites For 2024
The following is a list of our recommendations for the top offshore online gambling sites that accept Australian players. These sites are well established, legally licensed by offshore jurisdictions, and strictly regulated by a respected governing authority.
However, the recent enactment of the Interactive Gambling Amendment of 2016 does prohibit offshore online casinos from serving Aussie players unless they obtain proper and local licensing from an Australian State or Territory. Therefore, the Australian Government cannot consider offshore online gaming destinations legal until they do so.
We recommend each of the online gaming brands here due to their utilization of industry-leading software solutions, advanced security profiles, and delivery of the highest-quality betting experience possible.
Still, we believe these brands will apply and be granted Australian gaming licenses soon enough due to large competitors exiting the market and the increasing demand for online gaming by Aussie punters. Included in our listing are sites that offer a strong selection of casino games, sophisticated poker rooms, and comprehensive sports betting services.
| Site Name | Bonus Offer | Rating | AU Friendly | Visit Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Casinos |
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 | 100% up to $1,000 AUD + 50 Free Spins - Claim 5X |  |  | PLAY NOW |
 | 100% up to $3,000 AUD | | | PLAY NOW |
Sportsbooks |
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 | 100% up to $2,000 | | | PLAY NOW |
Poker Sites |
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| 100% up To $1,000 | | | PLAY NOW |
Is Gambling Legal In Australia?
As mentioned in our introduction, various forms of legal gambling are available in Australia, including casino games, poker, sports betting, lottery, bingo, and racing. The licensing and regulation of gambling in Australia are primarily administered by the individual states and territories and their own relevant governing agencies.
While the commonwealth was involved with the development of laws regarding the infrastructure of the gambling industry in Australia, most of the regulation, directives and law enforcement are handled regionally for land based gambling in the country. Our section on Regional Gambling Laws in Australia will provide you with more detailed information on this topic.
Is Online Gambling Legal In Australia?
The answer used to be a resounding yes, with it really coming down to where you were intending to participate in online gambling entertainment. In the past, from a player’s standpoint, there were no laws prohibiting you from enjoying online gambling from legally licensed and regulated offshore gambling sites such as online casinos, sportsbooks, poker rooms, and racebooks.
However, due to the passing of this new legislation, punters will not be able to access offshore online casinos that are solely licensed by an international jurisdiction. To operate an online gaming site legally, platforms must obtain local licensing from an Australian jurisdiction as well. Note also that it is not illegal to operate an online gambling business within Australia, but rather, it is illegal for local online gambling businesses to advertise or offer their services to Aussie residents. However, there are specific exceptions, as Australian-based online platforms can offer sports betting, keno, lottery, and bingo to Aussie residents.
All other online gambling businesses that are based in Australia must limit their customer base to players who live outside of Australia. Until recently, the Interactive Gambling Act was the only law regulating the legality of online gambling in Australia. The Interactive Gambling Amendment Bill of 2016 was a recent piece of legislation that passed through the legislative process successfully and was signed into law.
This new law makes it illegal for Aussie punters to participate in online casino and poker gambling at offshore gambling sites unless said sites simultaneously hold gaming licensing with an Australian State or Territory. Online sports betting, bingo, and lottery games remained unaffected by the new legislation.
The Best Gambling Apps Australia Has To Offer
There are no casino or sports betting apps that operate domestically in the country due to current gambling laws. Despite this status, local players can access Australia gambling apps using smartphones and tablets by pulling them up using mobile web browser apps.
These aren’t the standard, downloadable gambling apps you might expect, but they operate just the same way, filling modern touchscreens of all sizes and allowing users to surf the lines with their fingertips. Every real-money game, betting line, or promotion that can be found on the desktop site is also available on mobile devices nationwide.
The experience on a tablet is often superior to that on a smartphone due to larger screen sizes and better graphics. The lack of permanent software allows players to hop from site to site quickly, just like they would on a laptop, PC, or Mac. If you’re reading this using a mobile device, click on any link we include here to take a test drive.
By Region
- New South Wales Gambling
- In-Person: Electric Gaming Machines, Table Games, Keno
- Online: Offshore Only (Casinos, Sportsbooks, Poker Rooms, Racinos)
- Victoria Gambling
- In-Person: Electric Gaming Machines, Table Games, Keno
- Online: Offshore Only (Casinos, Sportsbooks, Poker Rooms, Racinos)
- Queensland Gambling
- In-Person: Electric Gaming Machines, Table Games, Keno
- Online: Offshore Only (Casinos, Sportsbooks, Poker Rooms, Racinos)
- Western Australia –
- In-Person: EGMs, Table Games, Keno
- Online: Offshore Only (Casinos, Sportsbooks, Poker Rooms, Racinos)
- South Australia
- In-Person: Electric Gaming Machines, Table Games, Keno
- Online: Offshore Only (Casinos, Sportsbooks, Poker Rooms, Racinos)
- Gambling In Tasmania
- In-Person: EGMs, Table Games, Keno
- Online: Offshore Only (Casinos, Sportsbooks, Poker Rooms, Racinos)
How To Find Legal Online Casinos And Sportsbooks
Until very recently, it was perfectly legal for Australian residents to engage in online gambling as long as it was done at licensed and regulated offshore gambling sites. This is no longer the case. New legislation that became law prohibits Aussie punters from playing real money casino and poker games at offshore gambling sites unless the site applies for and is granted a license by an Australian State or Territory. This guide was originally developed prior to the passing of the Interactive Gambling Amendment Bill as a reliable and fact-based resource for Australian gamblers seeking information about legal online gambling options.
We do not encourage players to violate national or regional gambling laws. We know it may be tempting to disregard the restrictions based on the general consensus that the government of Australia probably lacks the resources to enforce the law at this time. We do not advocate illegal gambling, but for those of you who are going to engage in online gambling regardless, we would prefer that you land at safe, secure, and regulated gambling sites.
We have listed the industry’s most trusted and reliable Aussie-friendly online gambling sites. Each is legally licensed and regulated, offers a premium betting experience, and accepts players from Australia. We have personally vetted every one of them and assure you that they represent the best legal Australian online gambling sites the industry has to offer. Remember that the passing of the Interactive Gambling Amendment Bill has forced some major brands to exit the market.
Can You Bet With AUD?
Australian-friendly online gambling sites typically accept AUD (Australian Dollar) currency for funding online gambling accounts. The few that don’t provide currency conversion services according to current rates. In some cases, it has become somewhat more difficult for Aussie players to use their credit cards for gambling-related transactions. However, with the wide range of online deposit methods available to Australian players, there are plenty of e-wallets and prepaid payment options to choose from.
AUS Bet Types
Pre-game sports betting, bingo, lottery, and keno are all legally available through Australian-based gambling sites. Other online gambling venues, such as casino games such as slots or pokies, interactive sports betting, or poker, have been legally available through licensed offshore gambling sites that accept Australian players. As mentioned above, new legislation is now prohibiting offshore gambling in Australia. The restrictions are limited to casino and poker gambling. Online sports betting, bingo, and lottery games remain unaffected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Gambling Winnings Taxable In Australia?
No, local gamblers are not required to pay any taxes to the Aussie government based on winnings earned via casino games or betting of any kind. This is because lawmakers ruled that gambling is not a profession. Instead, the focus on tax collections is placed on the operators.
Are There Any Gambling Addiction Australia Resources?
The vast majority of players can enjoy gambling without any problems at all. However, for some, gambling becomes more than entertainment and can ruin lives. If you feel that gambling has taken control of your life, we encourage you to visit the country’s official problem gaming website and reach out for help.
Are There Any States Or Territories That Outlaw Offshore Betting Sites?
Online sportsbooks and casinos that are based in other countries are not mentioned in local or federal laws. Since there is nothing in writing that suggests they are illegal, locals across the entire continent can use them to wager on pro and college sports or play real money casino games and poker.