Australia Online Casino Law 2026
Interactive Gambling Act 2001 · ACMA Blocking · BetStop · Credit & Crypto Ban
Quick Take
- The Interactive Gambling Act 2001 prohibits offering online casino games, online slots and online poker to people in Australia. Licensed online sports and race wagering is legal.
- The ACMA asks internet providers to block illegal gambling sites; more than 1,000 had been blocked by mid-2024.
- BetStop, the national self-exclusion register, has run since August 2023, and since 11 June 2024 online wagering providers may not accept credit cards or digital currency.
📌 Informational guide: this page explains the law in Australia. Cocktailspins does not list, rank or link to gambling operators for players in Australia. Rules change — follow updates in our Regulation Tracker.
What Is Legal Online
Australia draws a sharp line. Online wagering on sports and racing is legal through providers licensed in an Australian state or territory. Online casino games — slots, roulette, blackjack — and online poker are prohibited services under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA), and it is an offence to offer them to people in Australia. The law targets providers rather than players, but players at offshore casinos have no Australian consumer protection if something goes wrong.
Site Blocking
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) enforces the IGA. Since November 2019 it has been able to ask internet service providers to block illegal gambling websites, and by July 2024 more than 1,000 sites had been blocked. The ACMA publishes each round of blocks and a register of licensed wagering providers, so players can check whether a site is legal.
No Credit Cards, No Crypto for Online Wagering
Since 11 June 2024, licensed online wagering providers may not accept payment by credit card or digital currency, including crypto. The aim is to stop people betting with borrowed money or with payment methods that are harder to trace. Crypto exchanges themselves must register with AUSTRAC, the financial intelligence agency.
BetStop — National Self-Exclusion
BetStop, the National Self-Exclusion Register, launched in August 2023. One registration excludes a person from every licensed online and phone wagering provider in Australia for a period from three months to life, and licensed providers must check it before opening an account.
Tax on Winnings
For recreational players, gambling winnings are generally not taxed in Australia. The position can differ for people who gamble as a business, which the Australian Taxation Office assesses case by case.
Our Position and Help
Because online casino games are prohibited services in Australia, this page does not list or link to any online casino. Free, confidential support is available 24/7 from Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858. Our Responsible Gambling Score explains what good player protection looks like.
FAQ
Are online casinos legal in Australia?
No. The Interactive Gambling Act 2001 prohibits offering online casino games, online slots and online poker to people in Australia.
Is online sports betting legal in Australia?
Yes, through wagering providers licensed in an Australian state or territory.
Can I bet with crypto in Australia?
Not with licensed online wagering providers. Since 11 June 2024 they may not accept credit cards or digital currency.
How do I self-exclude in Australia?
Through BetStop, the National Self-Exclusion Register, which covers all licensed online and phone wagering providers. Gambling Help Online is on 1800 858 858.