Australian Online Gambling Laws Explained

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Clients range from console games suppliers to social games websites, and also include a number of esports tournament organisers. Addisons has a gambling team that advises businesses on all aspects of gaming and gambling law and regulation.
The AML/CTF Act was amended to allow for parties to rely on KYC checks conducted by third parties, on the basis that such checks abide by the requirements present under the AML/CTF regime. This requires online wagering operators to conduct customer identity verification prior to opening an account for a new customer. As a result, licensed gambling operators are considered “reporting entities” and are subject to obligations under the AML/CTF Laws. There have been recent amendments to the AML/CTF Rules, and, following consultation processes, the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Amendment Bill 2024 (the “AML/CTF Amendment Bill”) was introduced into Federal Parliament and received royal assent on 10 December 2024. Responsible gambling requirements that apply to land-based gambling operators vary depending on the type of licence held by the operator, and on the state and/or territory in which the operator is licensed. Since its implementation in November 2019, the ACMA has requested that more than 1,000 websites (including of affiliates) be blocked.
The Star recently announced (in August 2025) that it has agreed binding arrangements with Chow Tai Fook Enterprises and Far East Consortium for the disposal of its interest in the much-vaunted Brisbane Queen’s Wharf development, in light of financial challenges faced by the group. In October 2022, The Star was found unsuitable to hold a casino licence or operate a casino in Queensland. Certain states and territories have established a fixed rate for the applicable fees; however, in other states and territories the applicable rates vary depending on the category of race on which bets are taken.
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. There are also various subordinate legislative instruments, including regulations, which have not been included. The ACMA has taken a number of high-profile enforcement actions against wagering operators for non-compliance with the BetStop requirements, which have included significant financial penalties and requiring entry into enforceable undertakings. The review examines the effectiveness of the regulatory framework, the appropriateness of cost recovery levies (which are industry-funded) and whether the current arrangements remain fit for purpose. The Act and Rules now provide for simplified due diligence in certain low-risk circumstances, while ongoing due diligence and enhanced due diligence requirements also apply. Large-scale remediation programmes remain in-flight for the largest Australian-licensed casino operators, including under government-mandated supervision arrangements in some cases. AUSTRAC has remained active in its review and enforcement of gambling operators.
The Bell 2 Report acknowledged that there had been substantial reform of The Star; however, the Bell 2 Report concluded that The Star remained unsuitable. With effect from 1 August 2025, Paul Steel, who was the Independent Monitor of Crown Perth, was appointed to the GWA to support ongoing supervision of Crown Perth. The outcome of this assessment was that, on 8 July 2025, the Racing and Gaming Minister determined that no punitive action would be taken against Crown Perth and that it was suitable to continue to hold a casino gaming licence. On 30 July 2025, AUSTRAC commenced Federal Court civil penalty proceedings against Mounties, alleging breaches of the AML/CTF Laws including a failure to adopt and maintain a compliant AML/CTF programme. It has been reported that AUSTRAC and Entain are conducting mediation to resolve the matter. The civil penalty proceedings in the Federal Court of Australia commenced by AUSTRAC on 30 November 2022 against The Star Pty Limited and The Star Entertainment QLD Limited (the “Star Entities”) for alleged breaches of the AML/CTF Laws are ongoing.
For players, the issue is more nuanced because enforcement is mainly directed at providers rather than individual users. pay id online pokies casino-style games are typically prohibited for operators to offer to Australians under federal law. The Australian market is defined by nuance, especially around offshore casinos, legal online pokies, and the distinction between user access and operator compliance. No casino review or bonus offer should outweigh personal financial safety. If gambling stops being entertainment and starts affecting finances, work, or relationships, seeking help early is the most sensible step. State-level support programs also exist, and many licensed betting brands include deposit limits, time-out features, account restrictions, and self-exclusion options.
The lawsuit alleges that the Fast Code systems violated this law and that the operators engaged in misleading and deceptive conduct by representing the service as legal while breaching its own terms and conditions. Pubs and clubs should take an active involvement in how the regulatory frameworks develop, including through consultation with government and the relevant regulators and also considering any relevant data used to support the frameworks. In Victoria a cashless gaming trial ran from September to November 2025 involving 43 venues, with the results yet to be announced.
Separately, the outcome of the AML/CFT regulator’s action against the Star Entertainment Group remains uncertain at the time of writing, with the Federal Court of Australia anticipated to hand down its findings shortly. This suspension has now been extended until at least 31 March 2026, to enable the NICC to better assess the effectiveness of important remediation work that remains underway. An online betting operator, irrespective of the jurisdiction in which it is licensed, will also be subject to a point-of-consumption tax. The gambling tax that is applicable in the Northern Territory is as follows. The Star Entertainment Group (“The Star”) and the NSW government reached an updated agreement regarding gaming taxes applicable on gaming machines.
AUSTRAC has also commenced proceedings against The Star and undertaken enforcement investigations in relation to global corporate bookmakers. 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. It is worth noting also that significant fines in the hundreds of millions have been levied against the Vic, NSW and Qld casino licensees to date and other fines are possible as regulatory processes continue. 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. 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.