Legal Guide
Is Online Gambling Legal in Australia? — A Clear and Calm Guide
What is allowed, what is not, who regulates it and how to check a licence, all explained in plain English.
RollieBet96 Guide · 5 min read · Updated October 2026
Before you start
This guide is general information about Australian law, not legal advice. Rules change, so check with your state or territory regulator.
The Short Answer
It depends on the type of gambling. Australia allows many kinds of gambling, and it regulates them carefully. Some are fully licensed and open to adults, and some online services are not permitted to be offered to people in Australia.
Knowing which is which makes everything clearer, and it only takes a few minutes.
In One Line
Licensed betting and lotteries are available to adults in Australia. Online casino-style games, including online pokies, are not permitted to be offered to people in Australia by providers.
What Is Allowed, Type by Type
| Type |
General position in Australia |
Who regulates it |
| Sports and racing betting |
Allowed through licensed operators, including online |
State and territory regulators |
| Lotteries and keno |
Allowed through licensed operators |
State and territory regulators |
| Pokies in pubs and clubs |
Allowed in licensed venues in most states and territories |
State and territory regulators |
| Casinos (venue-based) |
Allowed at licensed casinos |
State and territory regulators |
| Online casino-style games and online pokies |
Providers are not permitted to offer these to people in Australia |
Federal: the Interactive Gambling Act 2001, enforced by ACMA |
Two Layers of Rules
Gambling in Australia is regulated at two levels:
- Federal: the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 covers gambling delivered over the internet, and the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) enforces it.
- State and territory: each one licenses venues and betting operators, decides where pokies are allowed, and sets age and harm-minimisation rules.
For the full picture, see The Interactive Gambling Act Explained and Gambling Laws by State.
Online Gambling in More Detail
"Online gambling" covers quite different things, so it helps to separate them:
- Online sports and racing betting is legal with an Australian licence. Licensed operators must follow strict rules, including identity checks and, for online wagering, restrictions such as the ban on using credit cards.
- Online lotteries are available through licensed lottery operators.
- Online casino-style games, such as online pokies, roulette and blackjack, are not permitted to be offered to people in Australia under the federal law.
For more on pokies specifically, read Are Online Pokies Legal in Australia?
How to Check a Licence
1
Look for the licence details
Licensed Australian operators show their licence and regulator on their site.
2
Match the regulator
Check the name against the state or territory regulator or the national information pages.
3
Know the limits
A licence for sports betting does not cover casino-style games.
4
Take your time
If you cannot find clear licence details, treat that as your answer and look elsewhere.
5
Ask the regulator
Regulators and ACMA publish plain-language information you can read for free.
Protections Built In for Australians
Australia has a number of protections designed to support players:
- 18+ only across all forms of gambling.
- BetStop, the national self-exclusion register for licensed online and phone wagering providers.
- Identity checks before wagering accounts can be fully used.
- Advertising rules that limit how gambling can be promoted.
- Free support through Gambling Help Online and the national helpline on 1800 858 858.
Staying Informed and Comfortable
Rules can change, and the easiest way to feel confident is to check the source:
- Read the regulator information for your state or territory.
- Read ACMA pages on interactive gambling.
- Come back to this guide for a plain-English overview.
This page is general information, not legal advice. A lawyer can advise on your own situation.
Is Online Gambling Legal? FAQ
Is online gambling legal in Australia?
It depends on the type. Licensed sports and racing betting and lotteries are allowed for adults. Online casino-style games, including online pokies, are not permitted to be offered to people in Australia under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
Is online sports betting legal in Australia?
Yes, through operators licensed in an Australian state or territory, for people aged 18 and over.
Who enforces the online gambling rules?
Federally, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (
ACMA). Each state and territory also has its own regulator for licensed gambling.
What is BetStop?
BetStop is the national self-exclusion register. People can use it to exclude themselves from all licensed online and phone wagering providers in one go.
Where can I find out more?
Start with the guides linked on this page, then read the pages published by ACMA and your state or territory regulator. A lawyer can advise on your own circumstances.
RollieBet96 Guide
Clear Information Helps
Knowing the rules brings peace of mind. Our guides cover the law, security and responsible gambling. 18+ only.
Information may change. Check official sources for the latest details.
Gambling should always be entertainment
Set limits, take breaks, and never chase losses. If gambling is causing you harm, call the national gambling helpline on 1800 858 858 or visit Gambling Help Online.
This guide is general information only and is intended for readers aged 18 and over. It is not legal advice.