Online Gambling
Not all online gambling sites are legal in Australia and some are unsafe. Using illegal sites means you have no consumer protection and that puts you at serious risk.
This page will help you understand:
What’s legal to gamble on online in Australia?
Some online gambling is legal, but only through licensed Australian operators. These services must comply with strict rules, including:
- Identity checks to verify who you are
- Safer gambling tools to help you stay in control
- Spending limits to reduce harm
- Secure payment systems to protect your money
Licensed Australian operators are regulated under Australian law and must meet strict consumer protection standards and can offer:
- Online sports and race betting
- Lotteries
Before you use any online wagering service, make sure it is legal. It must be on the register of licensed interactive gambling providers to operate in Australia.
What’s not legal in Australia?
Just because you can access a gambling site doesn’t mean it’s legal. Many sites look Australian but are run offshore. If a site offers online casino games or real-money pokies it’s an illegal service in Australia.
Illegal online gambling services include:
- Online casino-style games (roulette, blackjack, baccarat)
- Online pokies/slot machines
- Live, in-play sports betting
- Any overseas gambling website or app not licensed in Australia
Offshore gambling operators are not allowed to offer services to Australians. Regulators block illegal sites regularly, but new ones appear just as quickly, so it’s important to stay alert.
Why it’s risky to use illegal gambling websites?
Using illegal gambling sites means no protection under Australian law. Risks include:
- Depositing money but being unable to withdraw any winnings
- Sites closing suddenly, losing all funds
- Unauthorised withdrawals from bank accounts
- No customer support or way to recover lost money
When you gamble with an illegal operator, you are gambling with your money, your data and your financial security
Even if you use a legal site online gambling is risky
Online gambling can make it easy to spend more time and money than planned. The risks increase even more when using illegal or offshore sites. Here are the key risks to be aware of:
24/7 access
Smartphones and apps let you gamble anytime, anywhere. Many people have multiple gambling apps, which create constant opportunities to place bets and makes it harder for them to track their losses.
Fast and convenient
Signing up, depositing money, and placing bets takes only seconds. This leaves little time to pause or set limits. Using debit cards or digital wallets can make losses feel less real.
Feels anonymous
Gambling in private makes it easier to hide and harder for people to notice when things are getting out of control.
Practice or “free play” games
These games often show artificially high win rates, giving a false impression that real-money gambling is easier than it is.
Targeted advertising
Apps track your behaviour and can send personalised offers, bonuses and reminders designed to encourage more gambling.
Illegal overseas sites
Offshore operators are not regulated in Australia and provide no consumer protection. Many Australians have lost winnings, had money taken from their account without their permission or lost access to their account when the site has closed. Only Australian-licensed services are subject to Australian laws and safeguards.
Live streaming gambling
Live streaming gambling is a growing trend where people broadcast themselves gambling for real money online. Platforms like Twitch and Kick allow audiences to watch in real time.
Viewers can interact with broadcasters and other viewers via chat, making the experience social and engaging. While this may seem entertaining, it carries significant risks.
Risks of live stream
Watching live streams of gambling can increase the risk of harm.
- Makes gambling seem normal Watching others gamble can make it seem harmless or routine.
- Encourages risky behaviour Seeing someone stream a big win can create unrealistic expectations about your own chances.
- Exposes viewers to unregulated operators Some streams promote illegal or unlicensed gambling sites.
- Targets young audiences Platforms popular with under-18s can influence attitudes toward gambling early.
It’s important to remember that live streaming gambling can influence attitudes toward gambling and potentially lead to risky gambling for the people who watch it.
