A plain-English summary of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001, who it applies to, how it is enforced, and where to find official information and support.
Under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (Cth), it is illegal to provide certain online gambling services, including online casino-style games such as online pokies, to people in Australia. The Australian Government's Department of Infrastructure lists roulette, poker, craps, online pokies and blackjack as examples.
The offence applies to the providers of these services, whether they are based in Australia or overseas. The Department describes the Act as targeting providers rather than their potential or actual customers.
The Act is a Commonwealth law, so it applies across Australia. This table summarises how it treats the main categories. It is a simplified guide, not a substitute for the Act itself.
| Activity | General position under the Act |
|---|---|
| Online pokies, roulette, blackjack, craps and poker | Illegal to provide to people in Australia (examples named by the Department) |
| Other internet games of chance, or mixed chance and skill | Covered by the Act when provided to someone physically in Australia |
| Certain licensed wagering and lottery services | Treated separately through the Act's definitions of "excluded wagering service" (section 8A) and "excluded lottery service" (section 8D) |
| Advertising prohibited gambling services | Generally illegal when directed at Australian audiences (Part 7A of the Act) |
Section 15 of the Act is headed "Prohibited interactive gambling services not to be provided to customers in Australia". The Department states that penalties can reach up to $360,000 per day for individuals and $1.8 million per day for companies; check the Department's page for current figures.
For a deeper look at the Act, read our guide The Interactive Gambling Act Explained.
The Department's guidance describes the Act as directed at the providers of interactive gambling services. It does not say that players commit an offence under it, and it does not say that playing is free of risk.
ACMA's guidance for the public is more practical. It warns that:
If you are unsure about your own legal position, speak to a qualified lawyer rather than relying on a general guide.
ACMA is the regulator that handles complaints under the Act. Its enforcement tools include:
For the latest enforcement actions, see ACMA's published news and the sources listed below.
The Interactive Gambling Act deals with gambling over the internet. Pokies in venues such as pubs, clubs and casinos are a separate matter, and are regulated by individual state and territory governments. Rules, licensing and limits differ between jurisdictions.
For the rules where you live, check your state or territory gambling regulator.
For a closer look, read our guides Gambling Laws in Australia: Federal, State and Territory Rules and Club and Pub Pokies vs Online Pokies.
These are the official sources used for this guide:
If gambling is causing you or someone you know harm, call the national gambling helpline on 1800 858 858 or visit Gambling Help Online.
For limits, blocking tools and free support services, read our guide Responsible Gambling Tools and Help in Australia.
This guide is general information only and is intended for readers aged 18 and over. It is not legal advice.