Gambling Laws And Regulations Report 2026 Australia

The AML/CTF Act also contains criminal provisions and it is possible that AUSTRAC may seek to apply these provisions in relation to non-compliance going forward. The introduction of the power for particular regulators to issue penalty infringement notices for certain gambling-related offences as an alternative to commencing court action has been a recent development in this jurisdiction. Although state and territory-based gambling regulators have historically shown a willingness to work cooperatively with licensees in relation to possible breaches of local laws (as a general comment, our observation is that regulator tolerance for non-compliance is reducing). State and territory licensees are expected to have appropriate controls in place to ensure that they comply with their licence obligations, including relevant laws and any conditions attaching to their licence. Have fines, licence revocations or other sanctions been enforced in your jurisdiction? What appetite for and track record of enforcement does your local regulatory authority have? State and territory laws often also contain a range of offences in relation to unlawful gambling, which can include organising the unlawful event, as well as participating in it. Legislation prohibits bets being taken by a Corporate Bookmaker on the outcome of a lottery (that is, ‘synthetic lotteries’).

In a land-based context, the Victorian regulator has been particularly active in targeting underage gambling in pubs and clubs in particular – a practice that is illegal in all Australian jurisdictions. At a federal level and in relation to anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing compliance, a large Australian gambling company paid a civil penalty of AUS $45 million to AUSTRAC in relation to admitted breaches of the AML/CTF Act. At the time of writing, casino licensees in NSW and Qld have been deemed unsuitable to hold the licences issued in those jurisdictions. AUSTRAC has also recently commenced the first prosecution of a prominent licensed club group for alleged breaches of the AML/CTF Act related to its operation of gaming machines. The use of digital currencies (including cryptocurrency) for gambling purposes is not common in the jurisdiction and, in the case of online wagering and betting, was expressly prohibited following amendments to the Interactive Gambling Act in 2024. In addition, a number of Corporate Bookmakers have recently been required by AUSTRAC to appoint independent auditors to assess their AML/CTF compliance, with one subsequently entering into an enforceable undertaking with AUSTRAC.

A casino licence permits the relevant casino to typically offer traditional table games and gaming machines. Set out below is a list of the primary legislation governing gaming, betting, lotteries and social/skill arrangements for each Australian state/territory, as well as at the federal level. For completeness, it is worth noting that, to a lesser extent, local government bodies in most states and territories also regulate gambling from a local government and town planning perspective, but typically only as it relates to gaming machines and their operation within the relevant municipal district. Unlike other jurisdictions, sweepstakes models which involve redemptions outside the platform are not operated in this jurisdiction (at least in any overt manner). Some jurisdictions supervise tightly and publish detailed enforcement records; others operate as remote hubs with lighter touch. Anjouan Gaming operates under the authority of the Anjouan Offshore Financial Authority, established under the laws of the Autonomous Island of Anjouan, Union of the Comoros.

The authority exercises enforcement powers including licence suspension and revocation. The authority maintains a public register of licensed entities and publishes enforcement actions as required. All licensed operators are subject to defined regulatory standards, ongoing compliance obligations, and supervisory oversight. The authority is responsible for the issuance, supervision, and enforcement of Internet Gaming Licences within its jurisdiction. The designated regulatory authority for the licensing and supervision of internet gaming operations under the laws of the Autonomous Island of Anjouan. The firm ensures compliance with federal and state regulations by assisting clients in obtaining advertising approvals and reviewing content for compliance with advertising laws. In addition to licensing, Senet advises clients on company formation and incorporation, corporate structuring, and specialised due diligence, particularly for investors, banks and financial lmct+ casino app sponsors.

Bingo is often regarded as minor gaming and may be conducted for fundraising or charitable purposes, typically by a community or other not-for-profit organisation. Corporate Bookmakers typically also offer ‘totalisator-derivative’ or ‘tote odds’ type betting. Corporate Bookmakers offer fixed-odds betting online and over the telephone on sport, racing and other approved events, whereas On-course Bookmakers offer fixed-odds betting on-course and, subject to approval, also over the telephone and in some instances online on similar events as a Corporate Bookmaker. Corporate Bookmakers are commonly licensed in the NT, whereas On-course Bookmakers (which may have online operations) are licensed in the relevant state or territory. There are also various subordinate legislative instruments, including regulations, which have not been included. There are many pieces of legislation that are incidental to gambling activity (for example, legislation setting the applicable gambling tax rates). For completeness, the authors note that the list of gambling- related legislation below is not an exhaustive list.

Terms, KYC thresholds, and withdrawal rules can shift with the governing permit, so re-check if the jurisdiction changes. Geolocation or domain settings can route you to a version regulated by a different authority. A valid authorisation typically enforces identity checks, certified games, AML controls, and a documented complaint path (often via an approved ADR). Names should align exactly—brand names can differ, but the operating company must match. Open the casino’s page, scroll to the footer, and match the legal entity and licence number (if shown) to the authority’s public register. Build your play around frameworks you understand and can trace.

Hotels and clubs are permitted to provide approved gaming machines in the licensed premises. Gaming machine and other equipment manufacturers, software developers and technical services suppliers selling products and/or services used for gambling-related activities typically have perpetual licences, which are often administrative in nature and remain on issue, subject to the payment of periodic fees. Gaming machine permits/licences have typically been perpetual in Australia, other than in certain states such as Vic, which operate for 20 years from August 2022 onwards. In relation to wagering and betting, apart from the NT (where the licences expire in 2035) and WA (where Retail Wagering and betting is operated by the state), the expiry dates of current Retail Wagering Licences are also similarly long-dated and range between 2044 and 2100. The duration of major operator licences depends upon the legislative framework in the relevant state or territory and is subject to possible change upon a licence renewal or new licence being issued. Various states (including NSW and Vic) have implemented harm minimisation measures to cap the number of gaming machine permits/licences on issue in certain lower socio-economic areas.

Reading A Regulator’s Framework

Each of Australia’s eight mainland states and territories separately regulates gambling activities within each of their respective jurisdictions. Any skill games and competitions with no element of chance are not typically regarded as gambling, but may still fall within certain gaming regimes when operated in a land-based context. Any skill games and competitions with no element of chance are not typically regarded as gambling, but may fall within certain ‘interactive gaming’ regimes when operated online and be regulated by state and territory gambling regulators. Such sweepstakes games can be differentiated from ‘trade promotion lotteries’ which are common in the jurisdiction. Poker is typically played within casinos and is regulated as a table game by the state and territory gambling regulators detailed below. Find information on upcoming VGCCC hearings, including gaming machine applications, disciplinary actions, and casino exclusion appeals. Only a consumer-facing gaming licence—searchable on the authority’s register—confers the regulatory framework that governs fairness, complaints, and player-fund handling.

This network provides the firm with insights that inform better regulatory, corporate and commercial outcomes tailored to its clients' needs and expectations. This breadth of experience gives Senet a unique commercial and regulatory perspective, and a clear understanding of the pressures faced by its clients. Known for his calm approach, attention to detail and strength in legal research, he brings a forward-thinking mindset to help clients respond to evolving regulatory challenges. Prior to joining Senet, Alexander was part of the Solicitors Assisting the Royal Commission into the Management of Police Informants (Lawyer X), where he worked under intense pressure on a range of intricate legal and procedural issues. His strategic insight and depth of legal knowledge contribute to delivering clear, effective solutions to clients operating in highly regulated environments. At Tabcorp, she served as Deputy General Counsel – Wagering and Media, advising on major strategic initiatives including the integration of two ASX-listed entities, regulatory investigations and responsible gambling programs. The authors also anticipate reforms in the area of ‘trade promotion lotteries’ which are a form of free-entry permissible lottery conducted for the purpose of promoting a business or trade.

The ACMA has a range of enforcement tools available to it which include directing internet service providers to block sites which are deemed to be operating in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act. Separately, SkyCity Group (SA) was ordered by the Federal Court to pay a $67 million penalty in June 2024, after AUSTRAC launched civil penalty proceedings against it for breaches of the AML/CTF legislation. The Star’s Sydney, NSW casino licence has been suspended and a manager has been appointed to oversee operations while the suspension is in force and reforms to achieve suitability can be assessed. This has included action taken by AUSTRAC in relation to casino licensees in Vic, NSW, Qld, WA and also SA examining money laundering issues (including those concerning ‘junket operators’). The ACMA has also been particularly active in relation to enforcement action in connection with spam legislation where infringements by a number of wagering operators have been identified. Enforcement action by the ACMA is also likely to continue following the implementation of various legislative changes, including in relation to illegal gambling sites and following the recent commencement of the NSER.

Are White-label Casinos Properly Covered By A Licence?

Confirm which company is named in the footer, then match it to the public register for that jurisdiction. When wording looks vague—“operates under international standards”—treat it as marketing, not compliance. The authority has suspended one Internet Gaming Licence pending investigation. The authority has published an updated Certificate Verification Framework effective 1 April 2026. All licensed operators are reminded that Q compliance reports are due by 30 April 2026 in accordance with licence conditions. Internet gaming licences are issued in defined categories for business-to-consumer and business-to-business operations.

There is no single overarching statute regulating gambling activities in Australia, nor is there a single overarching gambling authority. If games are not entirely skill-based (that is, there is an element of chance), then they will be subject to the relevant gaming laws. The ACMA has commented that social casinos are an example of the ongoing convergence of gaming and gambling activities and should be monitored. Betting on fantasy sports in Australia is offered by some corporate bookmakers licensed in the NT (Corporate Bookmakers). In addition to casinos, poker is also played in hotels and clubs without generally being regulated in the same manner as a traditional casino table poker game, provided no third party (i.e. the venue owner/operator or tournament organiser) gains a percentage or share of any amount gambled. If a site relies on logos or vague wording without a traceable entry, assume it lacks the required authorisation. Many white-label sites operate under a platform provider’s licence.

Scroll to the casino’s footer and match the legal entity and licence reference to the public register maintained by the authority (most regulators keep a searchable database). Expand the casino card, check the operating company, and note the licence number where shown. Start with the licensing authority most relevant to where you play. Frameworks typically cover identity checks, game testing, anti-money-laundering controls, and safer-gambling tools. Pick a licence and you’ll see operators that state they trade under that framework, ready to compare by device performance, payment options, and market focus.