MENU
Updated: May 27, 2026
Australia

Australia

Casino Regulated
Online Casino Prohibited
Sports Betting Regulated
Online Sports Betting Mixed Regulation
Lottery Regulated
Bingo Regulated

Australia has one of the most mature and commercially significant gambling markets globally, supported by a long-standing framework split between federal and state or territory regulators. Only locally licensed operators may lawfully offer online gambling products to Australian residents, and legal online activity is largely limited to pre-match sports betting, racing, and certain lottery and keno products – all subject to strict operating rules (including restrictions on in-play sports betting online and a ban on credit card and digital currency payments).

For operators, Australia offers a large, digitally mature and highly engaged market, but with heavy compliance requirements, active enforcement, and increasing scrutiny. Debate over advertising limits, responsible gambling reforms and stronger consumer protections suggests the market remains attractive, but is likely to become more restrictive.

Online Gambling in Australia
Regulatory Authority ACMA (federal enforcement of online gambling laws); NTRWC (primary online wagering licensing); state/territory regulators (lotteries, keno, online bingo)
Key legislation Interactive Gambling Act 2001
Allowed activities
  • Online sports betting
  • Online race wagering
  • Online lotteries
Prohibited activities
  • Online casino
  • In-play betting online during live sports events
  • Gambling services from unlicensed offshore operators
Taxation and fees Gambling taxes vary by product and jurisdiction, with lotteries taxed at very high rates (up to 90% of player losses in Victoria) and wagering generally taxed on a point-of-consumption basis at around 15%–25%.
Licence validity/duration Determined by the relevant state or territory regulator, online wagering licences are typically granted for a fixed term under local legislation (for example, 10 years in Victoria and up to 20 years in the Northern Territory), subject to renewal and ongoing compliance.
Benefits of the market
  • High participation and cultural acceptance

Gambling is deeply embedded in Australian culture, with extremely high betting activity and strong consumer engagement, making the online market large, mature, and commercially attractive.

  • Digitally ready and loyal customer base

High internet penetration, smartphone use, and strong player loyalty support sustained demand for online gambling platforms and create favourable conditions for long-term customer retention.

Land-Based Gambling in Australia
Key legislation  Land-based gambling in Australia is regulated at state and territory levels. Each region has its own regulations.
Allowed activities
  • Casinos
  • Poker machines (“pokies”)
  • Sports betting
  • Horse racing betting
  • Lotteries
  • Bingo / Keno
Prohibited activities Among others:
  • Unlicensed gambling – operating or promoting gambling without the required state or territory licence.
  • Unlicensed gaming machine operations; conducting table games outside of a licensed casino venue without the appropriate authority
Taxation Tax rates and structures vary significantly by jurisdiction and gambling product.
How to Start a Sportsbook: a Step-by-Step Guide
RELATED ARTICLE How to Start a Sportsbook: a Step-by-Step Guide
Learn the essential steps to kickstart your own sports betting venture with this comprehensive guide.
Need help exploring the Australian market?

Our team can support you with regulatory assessment, compliance planning, and go-to-market guidance.

Contact Us