Australian Online Betting Laws Guide
Online betting laws in Australia are more detailed than ever before. Sports bettors are probably wondering, is online gambling legal? And, is sports betting included? The short answer is yes, but the long answer is obviously a little more complex. Recent amendments to existing laws have banned a few gambling forms, but online betting is now regulated. Your best gamble will need to be through a locally licensed site though. We’ve got a handle of great sites listed below that are Australian to the tee.
So, when gambling, there are a few other laws to consider. On the sportsbook’s side, they need to look out for safety and whether a punter is behaving fairly. On the bettor’s side, you’ll need to gamble responsibly with only publicly available information for online betting. The clarity of our laws makes it pretty easy for illegal gamblers to be prosecuted. Of course, being informed is a must to avoid crossing paths with the justice system. That’s why we’ve created this guide.
Best Legal Bookmakers to Try
| Betting Site | Best Feature | Rating | Visit Site | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Embodiment of Synergy in the AU Betting Industry! | ||||
1  | Great sports coverage | UniBet Sportsbook | Bet Now | |
| Key Player on the AUS Betting Scene | ||||
2  | Lottery Bets | TheLotter Sportsbook | Bet Now | |
| Unique Betting Product - Lotto Result Betting | ||||
3  | Streaming Expert Edge | Titanbet Sportsbook | Bet Now | |
| Reliable Bookmaker with Flawless Track Record | ||||
4  | Betting Exchange | YouWager Sportsbook | Bet Now | |
| Unique Betting Product – So Far Undisputed | ||||
Is Online Gambling Legal in Australia?
Yes, provided that it is listed and provided with a code in the Interactive Gambling Act of 2001 or any amendments. Unfortunately, online slot machines were never given a code and weren’t addressed in the recent amendment. Recently, the act was amended to mention online gambling. Betting laws currently state that punters can bet on sports online. However, these online sportsbooks must be licensed in Australia and pay taxes to every state they accept bets from.
How does the IGA Affect Betting?
For the most part, the IGA only affects certain aspects of betting. One important stipulation is the prohibition of live betting online. If you want to place a bet during a match, you have to phone the sportsbook. Another important law is the ban on adverting during normal broadcast hours and in public in certain states. More so, sportsbooks are also banned from sponsoring tournaments.
Amendments to Gambling Laws
While the laws passed in 2001 allowed real money gambling, they weren’t equipped for the technology of today. Until now, the Interactive Gambling Act has been amended most recently in 2017. Betting laws in Australia can seem harsh, but they’re meant to benefit Australians through taxes and problem gambling help.
State Regulators for Gambling Laws
Most regulation of gambling and enforcement of betting laws happens at territorial level. Because of this, individual states have a regulator and will decide how to enforce the law. We’ve listed each organisation below:
- Australian Capital Territory Gambling and Racing Commission
- New South Wales Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing
- Northern Territory Licensing Commission
- Queensland Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation
- South Australia Independent Gambling Authority
- Tasmanian Gaming Commission
- Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation
- Western Australia Department of Racing, Gaming and Liquor
More About Betting
Gambling Laws FAQs
Is sports betting legal in Australia?
Yes, provided you bet with an Australian-licensed sportsbook. In order to check this, look for a seal from a state regulator like the Northern Territory Licensing Commission or the ACT Gambling and Racing Commission.
Are my winnings taxable?
No, because gambling is considered a hobby by the government. Also, lottery winnings are not taxable for Aussies.
What is the legal age to gamble in Australia?
The minimum gambling age is 18. This applies to online gambling sites and land-based venues. If you are under the age of 18, you aren’t allowed into a gambling venue.
Are offshore betting sites legal?
No, because they usually don’t pay taxes in Australia. Most community efforts, like clubs and centres, depend on these taxes to operate. What’s more, ambulances and emergency services are also benefitted by revenue. That’s why a valid license from an AU territory is necessary.
How does a betting site know I’m in Australia?
Every internet connection has a unique code, like a postal one specifically for your computer. Most secure online betting sites can read this code. So, for safety and fraud prevention reasons, sites will only identify your country and your state. While this may seem like an invasion of privacy, it also allows bookmakers to offer Aussie-friendly bets first.
When can I place a sports bet online?
Whenever you want, that’s the beauty of online betting because sportsbooks never close. This also means that you can change your bet up until the match starts. So, all you need is to login and bet.