The Australian authorities have taken a significant step by officially banning online casinos from accepting cryptocurrency payments on June 11th, 2024, despite the country’s widespread acceptance of digital assets. This ban carries serious consequences for both operators and players, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
While all online casino gambling is considered illegal according to the Interactive Gambling Act of 2001, players can still access the sites with a VPN, and many still do. However, the number of licensed gambling ventures in Australia is limited, with exceptions only for Australian licensed gambling ventures such as sports betting.
The crypto ban aims to promote responsible gambling and fiscal responsibility online. Operators caught accepting digital assets can face a fine of up to 234,750 AU dollars.
Is Online Gambling Legal In Australia?
According to current gambling laws, only online casinos licensed by the AU government can offer their services to guests and residents.
AU officials have found blocking access to online casino sites easier than fighting it individually. However, getting caught gambling online can result in stiff penalties and possibly jail time for multiple offenders.
How Many Casinos Are In Australia?
There are 14 gambling houses in the country, most of which are in the southeastern part. The oldest casino was first legitimized in 1973 in Hobart and is still in operation today. Below is a current list of AU casinos for 2024.
- The Star – Sydney
- Crown Sydney – Sydney
- Casino Canberra – Canberra
- Lasseters Hotel Casino – Alice Springs
- The Star Gold Coast – Gold Coast
- Mindil Beach Casino Resort – Darwin
- The Reef Hotel Casino – Cairns, Queensland
- The Ville Resort-Casino – Townsville
- Treasury Casino – Brisbane
- SkyCity Adelaide – Adelaide
- Country Club Tasmania – Launceston
- Wrest Point Casino – Hobart
- Crown Casino Perth – Perth
- Crown Melbourne – Melbourne
What Gambling Options Are Available Online?
Online you will find tons of slots, pokies, blackjack, roulette, craps, live dealer games, specialty game like bingo and keno, and more. You will also find sites that accept the Australian Dollar (AUD) and traditional methods like bank cards, wire transfers, and other payment methods.
While cryptocurrency has changed the online gambling landscape for local operators, legal online casinos accepting players in AU still support crypto transactions if you are outside the country or willing to risk it.
We suggest you abide by local regulations and avoid sites that could result in fines or further punishment. However, if you gamble, be aware of the risks, as they could result in prosecution.