Online gambling has been well-regulated and authorised in many countries, as it has become a major entertainment for people around the globe. The Australian law regulates gambling primarily through the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA). The IGA prohibits the supply of certain interactive gambling services to Australian players. Though it does not criminalise users, the […]
Online gambling has been well-regulated and authorised in many countries, as it has become a major entertainment for people around the globe. The Australian law regulates gambling primarily through the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA). The IGA prohibits the supply of certain interactive gambling services to Australian players.
Though it does not criminalise users, the act makes it a criminal offence for operators based in Australia and offshore casinos to provide real-money online casino games such as pokies, blackjack, roulette, and online poker to Australian residents. The act comes with certain criteria and exceptions. Read ahead to know more about the Interactive Gambling Act and its new updates.
Why the IGA Was Introduced?
The Interactive Gambling Act 2001 is the primary Commonwealth legislation that regulates the types of interactive gambling services that can be legally accessed by people in Australia. It is enacted by the federal parliament and applies to all states and territories. The main aim of IGA is to protect Australians from gambling harm and regulate the emerging online gambling services in Australia.
The Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA) is an Australian government regulation that focuses on holding casino operators accountable rather than penalising individual players.
This gaming regulation offered by the Australian government focuses on holding the casino operators accountable rather than penalising individual players. In short, the law targets operators only. Thus, reflecting a regulatory strategy that is solely centred on harm reduction and consumer protection, thereby resulting in responsible gambling practices.
Key Changes in Recent IGA Updates
Proposed bans on live sports ads and celebrity endorsements; mandatory 18+ login and opt-outs for online ads.
ACMA continues IGA enforcement. BetStop reached ~49,000 active self-exclusions by early 2026.
Strict ban remains on credit cards and cryptocurrency used for online gambling to prevent debt-funded play.
New requirement linking accounts to verified Australian IDs via biometric portals to stop underage access.
Based on the recent IGA developments, the following are the major updates and related reforms in Australia and the region.
Gambling advertising reforms
Ban gambling advertising during live sports broadcasts, prohibit celebrities and sports figures from appearing in gambling advertisements, and restrict online gambling ads, which require users ot be logged in over 18 and able to opt out. These changes have not yet been passed by the parliament, it is moved to the second stage of reading.
Continue the enforcement and BetStop expansion
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) continues to enforce the IGA. By early 2026, BetStop managed to register about 49,000 self-exclusions.
Credit and crypto payment ban
Although it was implemented in 2024, the ban on using credit cards and cryptocurrency purchase with credit for online gambling remains a key part of the current regulatory framework in 2026.
National digital identity verification
A new government biometric portal will be required for online gambling accounts to be linked to a verified Australian ID. This aims to prevent underage gambling and fraud, though it has raised privacy concerns.
Ban on Online Casino Games and In-Play Betting
In Australia, you can gamble online, but there are exceptions. In-play betting is permitted on-site or over the phone for all events and online for racing events. However, recent enforcement targets operators using the ‘fast code’ systems that blur the line between app-based and phone betting.
It is not legal in Australia to provide real-money online casino games like slot machines, blackjack, poker, craps and roulette. Legal online gambling activities for Australians include sports betting, but online in- play sports betting is banned, horse racing and online lotteries offered by licensed wagering operators.
While playing at offshore online casinos is not illegal in the Australian market. Although the ACMA enforces the Interactive Gambling Amendment by blocking access to illegal gambling websites, Australians still continue to access offshore gambling sites, which are not regulated by the Australian authorities and may pose risks regarding dispute resolution and financial security.
Increased Enforcement and Penalties
There are several territory gambling regulators in Australia. The Racing Commission Casino Canberra is an independent statutory body that regulates the casino operations, gaming machines and betting activities in Canberra, Australia. It solely monitors and regulates Casino Canberra. Meanwhile, the NSW is another independent Casino Commission that was established in 2022, and it regulates the casinos in New South Wales. It oversees the casino licensing and implements measures to reduce gambling harm and criminal influence.
Role of the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA)
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is the federal government body that is responsible for enforcing the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. The other key roles of ACMA include:
- Blocking illegal offshore gambling websites
- Enforcing prohibitions
- Investigating and taking enforcement action
- Manage BetStop, the national self-exclusion register
- Regulate gambling advertising
- Collaborate with international regulators and domestic Australian consumer protection agencies to disrupt illegal gambling operators and payment channels.
Compliance Requirements for Operators
The following are the gambling compliance requirements for operators, laid down by the ACMA.
- The licensed Australian betting operators should not provide licensed interactive wagering services to a registered individual.
- A licensed operator must not open or close a licensed interactive wagering service account for a registered individual.
- The operators should not conduct direct marketing to a registered individual.
- They must not disclose protected information about a registered individual for marketing needs.
- Licensed operators are required to provide responsible gambling tools.
- A wagering provider must take the responsibility to provide the connectivity in place to enable connection to BetStop.
Conclusion
The Interactive Gambling Act is a national consumer protection framework implemented by the ACMA to ensure safe gambling in Australia. The recent updates to it enhance the quality of the gaming experience for Australians and prevent underage gambling. Despite these restrictions and regulations, there are still many Australians who access illegal offshore online casinos. Adhering to Australian gambling regulations and accessing the licenced service providers will only do good for users. In case of further queries and help, you can contact the national gambling helpline number: 1800 858 858.
