How gambling rules work across Australia, what the federal law covers, what each state and territory decides, and how to check the rules where you live.
Australia does not have one single gambling law. Rules come from two layers of government, and both can apply to the same activity.
| Level | What it generally covers |
|---|---|
| Federal (Commonwealth) | Online and interactive gambling services, advertising rules for those services, and national tools such as the BetStop self-exclusion register |
| State and territory | Licensing of casinos, clubs, pubs and betting operators, where poker machines are allowed, lotteries, minimum age and harm-minimisation rules |
The main federal law is the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. It deals with gambling services delivered over the internet and other communication channels to people in Australia. It prohibits providers from offering online casino-style games, including pokies, to people in Australia, and it is enforced by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).
Read the full breakdown in our guide The Interactive Gambling Act Explained.
Each state and territory has its own gambling laws and its own regulator. These rules decide, among other things:
Because the rules are set locally, something that is allowed in one state or territory can be restricted in another.
| State or territory | General position on venue pokies |
|---|---|
| New South Wales | Allowed in licensed clubs, pubs and the casino |
| Victoria | Allowed in licensed clubs, pubs and the casino |
| Queensland | Allowed in licensed clubs, pubs and casinos |
| South Australia | Allowed in licensed clubs, pubs and the casino |
| Tasmania | Allowed in licensed venues and casinos |
| Northern Territory | Allowed in licensed venues and casinos |
| Australian Capital Territory | Mainly allowed in licensed clubs and the casino |
| Western Australia | Only allowed in the main casino in Perth |
The minimum age to gamble in Australia is 18. Licensed venues must check age and are expected to follow responsible service of gambling rules, which can include staff training, limits on advertising inside venues, and venue self-exclusion programs.
For national tools and free support, read our guide Responsible Gambling Tools and Help in Australia.
Search for your state or territory gambling regulator. It is usually part of a state government department or commission.
Regulators publish plain-language guides on what is allowed, who is licensed and how to make a complaint.
Before using any gambling service, check that the operator holds the correct Australian licence for what it offers.
For advice about your own situation, speak to a qualified lawyer. This guide cannot do that for you.
This guide is general information only and is intended for readers aged 18 and over. It is not legal advice.