Since 2001, the Interactive Gambling Act has been Australia’s overarching law governing online gambling. The original law blocked Australian-based iGaming brands from servicing locals. Only sports betting sites were considered legal, leaving online casinos and poker in a gray area.
Legal Australian gambling sites operating offshore have serviced the Aussie online gambling community with online casino games, poker, and sports betting in the over ten years since the IGA’s enactment.
The revision of the IGA became law in 2017, dramatically modifying existing Australian online gambling laws and making the gambling landscape in the nation much more rigid.
The amendment imposes a strict ban on international iGaming brands, essentially making it illegal for Australian punters to place bets at offshore casinos and poker sites. Unfortunately, the law fails to include provisions on how interested parties can apply for approval to enter the Aussie market.
With this amendment, Aussie punters are left high and dry when it comes to iGaming outside of sports betting. Most big-name iGaming providers had already pulled out of the Australian gambling sector, with some, like 888Poker, leaving before the legislation even passed through the lower house. Others began to follow suit in anticipation of the law.
PokerStars, arguably one of the most well-known brands in the industry, remained present throughout the duration of the legislative process but recently issued a statement to its Aussie clients saying they would be withdrawing from the market sometime in September.
Is There Any Hope For Australian iGaming?
The ban essentially prevents punters from engaging in iGaming. However, the ban could be overturned. If the bill were to be overturned, licensed offshore Australian online casinos, poker sites, and sportsbooks could remain in the Australian market.
FAQs
Does The Amendment Make Online Gambling Illegal?
Yes. Under the new ban, Aussie players will be unable to legally participate in online casino or poker gambling via offshore brands. The bill excludes offshore sports betting, bingo gaming, and lottery ticket purchases.
Are There Any Options For Online Gambling In AUS?
It depends on whether the iGaming brand accepts players from Australia. If they do, Aussie players may engage with them at their own risk. We do not condone any illegal online gambling and are not responsible for legal actions taken against Australian players.
It is a realistic assumption that Australia does not have the means or resources to monitor national internet use to identify individuals accessing licensed online gambling sites. Is getting caught likely? No. Can we say it is an absolute impossibility? No. Even if the risk is minute, we cannot deny it exists.
Are There Still Land-Based Casino And Poker Options For Punters?
Yes. The Interactive Gambling Amendment Bill strictly applies to iGaming. Aussie players can still gamble at local pokies and casinos. Regional gambling laws are responsible for governing land-based gambling entertainment.
What Types Of Online Gambling Are Permitted By The Amendment?
Domestic online sports betting is still legal for Australian bettors as long as bets are placed before the beginning of the event. Live betting is not an option, as it is considered interactive gambling. Online sportsbooks must be licensed and connected to a brick-and-mortar bookmaker in Australia.
Online bingo, known as housies, and online Lottery games are permitted under the amendment. Offshore sportsbooks, bingo sites, and lottery agents seem to still be accessible to Australians.
Is There Any Chance The Gambling Laws Change In The Future?
If the Australian Senate’s Environment and Communications References Committee’s report suggests that iGaming would be better legalized, the law could be amended to authorize online poker. However, online casinos may take some more time to reenter the Aussie gaming industry.
We cannot predict the future, but it is possible that after some time, the Australian government will decide it is in their best interest to allow international iGaming brands to service Aussie players. iGaming operators like 888Poker and PokerStars would certainly make a return, as Australia presents a significant player pool. The government could impose regulatory requirements that funnel money from offshore brands back into the nation.
Has There Been Blowback On This Amendment?
Yes, hence the inquiry from the Australian Senate. The local online poker community rallied to build support for the industry in hopes of showing why it should be legalized. The Australian Online Poker Alliance worked to create media attention for the cause and ultimately led to the iGaming community being able to voice their opinions to the Senate.