Australia’s stance concerning gambling is fairly liberal. Gambling is regulated on two levels in Australia: the Commonwealth, which provides directives and laws on a national level, and legislation by the individual states and territories.
Most day-to-day gambling regulation occurs on the regional level through various state-run gaming agencies. This being the case, the types of gambling opportunities available throughout the area vary depending on what the individual state or territory you are in has elected to approve in their oversight of the industry within their jurisdiction.
The Commonwealth’s Role
The Commonwealth plays an active role in gambling regulation in Australia and is responsible for passing legislation, regulating gambling entertainment, and handling amendments to existing legislation. National taxation is an example of one element that is regulated through the Commonwealth, though individual regions are not prohibited from enacting their own taxation requirements.
The Australian Commonwealth feels that the individual states and territories should bear the majority of the burden of regulation, licensing, and monitoring of the industry. The Commonwealth is more involved in online gambling platforms via the Interactive Gaming Act and the Interactive Gambling Amendment Bill of 2016.
State-Specific Regulations
Licensing requirements, fee-approved venues, and most directives regarding gambling are up to the discretion of each state, territory, or region as defined by their jurisdictional boundaries, including taxation. This ensures that the approved gambling initiatives are a reflection of those residents who such decisions would most impact.
Each territory establishes its own regulatory bodies via specific gaming commissions, agencies, or committees. These bodies have free reign to regulate as they see fit as long as they do not contradict any national gambling laws in Australia. This is seldom an issue since the national regulatory structure is designed not to interfere with regional legislation.
Governance In Each Australian State
The various state and territory gaming authorities and a listing of the relevant gambling legislation that applies to each. Once you have a better understanding of the laws for your region, you can check out our list of legal Australian online gambling sites, which we have reviewed, and the most reputable sites.
Australian Capital Territory
- Regulated by the ACT Gambling and Racing Commission.
- Betting Act of 1964 (ACTTAB Limited)
- Lotteries Act 1964
- Pool Betting Act 1964
- Interactive Gambling Act 1998
- Racing Act 1999
- Race and Sports Bookmaking Act 2001
- Gaming Machine Act of 2004
- Casino Control Act of 2006
New South Wales
- Regulated through the Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing
- Lotteries and Art Unions Act 1901
- Charitable Fundraising Act 1991
- Casino Control Act 1992
- Public Lotteries Act 1996
- Gambling Act 1998 (Two-Up)
- Racing Administration Act 1998
- Unlawful Gambling Act 1998
- Betting Tax Act 2001
- Gaming Machines Act 2001
- Gaming Machines Tax Act 2001
- Gaming and Liquor Administration Act 2007
- Liquor Act 2007
Northern Territory
- Regulated by the Licensing Commission
- Northern Territory Licensing Commission Act 2001
- Racing and Betting Act 2004
- Soccer Football Pools Act 2004
- Unlawful Betting Act 2004
- Gaming Control Act 2005
- Gaming Machine Act 2005
Queensland
- Regulated by the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation
- Casino Control Act 1982
- Jupiter’s Casino Agreement Act 1983
- Breakwater Island Casino Agreement Act 1984
- Gaming Machine Act 1991
- Brisbane Casino Agreement Act 1992
- Cairns Casino Agreement Act 1993
- Keno Act 1996
- Lotteries Act 1997
- Wagering Act 1998
- Charitable and Non-Profit Gaming Act 1999
South Australia
- Regulated by the Independent Gambling Authority
- Lottery and Gaming Act 1936
- State Lotteries Act 1966
- Gaming Machines Act 1992
- Casino Act 1997
- Authorised Betting Operations Act 2000
Tasmania
- Regulated by the Tasmanian Gaming Commission
- Gaming Control Act 1993
- TT-Line Gaming Act 1993
Victoria
- Regulated by the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation
- Casino Control Act / Casino Management Agreement Act 1993
- Gambling Regulation Act 2003
Western Australia
- Regulated by the Department of Racing, Gaming and Liquor
- Betting Control Act 1954
- Bookmakers Betting Levy Act 1954
- Racing Restrictions Act 2003
- Racing Bets Levy Act 2009