Australian Gambling Laws

Requirements

Any online casino must be regulated under the laws of Oz. The company must not only know all the nuances regarding their state but also have a license to operate.

Legally considered gaming sites are those that also comply with all the requirements applicable to them. This applies to the fight against money laundering, terrorist financing, and fraud. Moreover, gaming companies must also support and actively promote the principles of responsible gaming.

Parties

Depending on the purpose of the company, different rules apply to them by the legislation:

• Casinos. If it is a land-based casino, then it must comply with the licensing rules that are set by the local government agency;
• Pokie machine operators. If a person owns specific pokies, then in addition to the basic laws, they must also comply with what applies to their operation;
• Bookmakers. In addition to the laws that are set by government agencies, they must also follow the laws set;
• Lottery and keno sites. In this case, they must comply with the rules that are set by their jurisdiction;
• Software studios and suppliers. These parties must comply with the laws that are set at the state level;
• Individuals. If you are a visitor to an online casino or other relevant institution, you must comply with all legal requirements, including age restrictions.

Regulator

There is no single institution in Oz that regulates online gambling. These competencies are assigned to the relevant authorities of each region. Their main tasks are to issue a license, monitor compliance with obligations, and provide legal support. You can learn more about regulations in each state below.

Australian Capital Territory

In this territory, the industry is regulated by the Gambling and Racing Commission, which is an independent body responsible for licensing.

New South Wales 

There are several organizations in the state that issue licenses and monitor compliance. These include:

• Liquor and Gaming NSW;
• Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority.

Northern Territory

Here the main overseer of the casinos’ activities is the Northern Territory Racing Commission.

Queensland

Two state agencies issue licenses and develop legislation for the industry:

• Queensland Liquor and Gaming Authority;
• Regulatory Policy Authority.

South Australia 

The Consumer and Business Affairs Authority is the body responsible for ensuring that casinos and bookmakers comply with all demands in South Australia.

Tasmania

Casino licenses in this jurisdiction are issued by the Tasmanian Liquor and Gaming Control Commission.

Victoria

The following bodies are responsible for ensuring that legal gambling takes place in this state:

• Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission;
• Liquor, Gaming and Racing Authority.

Western Australia 

The compliance of casinos with all requirements and laws is monitored by the Western Australian Department of Racing, Gaming, and Liquor.

Federal Level

The Australian Communications and Media Authority is the federal regulator. Its main tasks are to set regulations for gambling advertising and to block illegal gaming sites.

Main Laws

Despite the lack of a single regulatory body, Australia does have a document that regulates online gambling – the Interactive Gambling Act, issued in 2001. Each state regulates this industry independently, taking into account all the requirements of federal law. At the same time, each of the territories also has relevant laws.

Requirements for Gambling Companies in Australia

In order for online casinos in Australia to be considered legal, they must meet several requirements:

• Registration. Casinos that want to offer online gambling to Aussie players must have a legal entity in this country and obtain a license and specific certificates from the relevant government agencies;
• Bank account. The company must open a bank account in any of the Aussie banks to deposit players’ money. All payments must be made through those payment tools that are approved by government agencies;
• Share Capital. Companies must comply with minimum share capital requirements depending on the type of game they offer;
• Declaration. The casino must submit a monthly declaration of income from gambling, and the relevant fees must be provided to the local regulator.

Conclusion

There are not many laws in Australia that apply to gambling sites. As for you, you only need to comply with the age limit and play in a licensed online casino. The remaining rules must be met by the casino itself.