AW8 Australia is one of the countries that have a clear set of rules concerning online gambling. Operators and gamblers are expected to adhere to these legal provisions for safe operation.
The Interactive Gambling Act is responsible for setting online gambling rules. The act covers all gambling activities that happen over the internet using a site, an app, or telephone.
This part focuses on legal entities that govern specific gambling activities in different jurisdictions.
Regulated by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). The Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (Cth) prohibits online casino gambling.
However, one can still apply for an ‘internet gaming license’ in the Northern Territory. This lets them offer gaming products beyond Australia under specific conditions.
ACMA. The Interactive Gaming Act also prohibits online poker. There have, however, been recent lobbying for approval that it’s a game of skill. However, many Australians still enjoy the game online through the legal services that provide it.
This game operates under the State and Territory gambling regulators, as we will share below.
Online betting falls under the regulators we have shared below.
These are services offered by corporate bookmakers licensed in the Northern Territory. They are Northern Territory Racing Commission (NTRC) and Licensing NT.
These games may be regulated by the State and Territory gambling regulatory bodies.
Through the Australian Constitution, the Federal Government can regulate and govern telecommunication, money, and trade, among other things, in the States and Territories.
Here are the relevant bodies for the same:
ACMA. The Federal Interactive gambling laws prohibit online casinos, slot machines and poker, online wagering that use in-play betting, and online wagering services.
Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) regulates AML and CTF. Certain entities must register with AUSTRAC under the AML/CTF Act)
The Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (CCA) through the Australia Consumer and Competition Commission (ACCC) regulates competition.
An operator license is crucial to the operation of an online casino. Each State and Territory has a relevant Casino Control Act. These are the bodies that issue casino Licenses. Australia has 14 casino licenses on the issue.
Corporate Bookmarkers provide online and telephone odds betting. A relevant license is also issued for gaming machines.
All licenses are under strict restrictions as set out by specific authorities. The main restriction is about the type of gambling activity a provider offers.
One must have an Operator License to conduct these gambling activities in Australia:
These licenses are always State/Territory-based.
These services are licensed only under the sports bookmaker License. The NT issues it (Corporate Bookmaker License. The State or Territory issues an alternative on-course bookmaker license.
Online Gambling has been growing steadily over the past several years in Australia. Local operators are expected to hold relevant licenses to offer these services.
The Interactive Gambling Act allows overseas-based operators holding relevant State/Territory Licenses to offer online gambling services. These activities fall under ACMA.
Casino licenses cannot extend to online activities in Australia. It’s prohibited under the act. Lottery licenses, retail wagering, corporate bookmaker, on-course bookmakers, and other betting operators can operate online.
State/Territory laws carry a wide range of provisions on gambling. They impose obligations on licensees, other stakeholders, and sometimes consumers. These laws contain offenses on unlawful gambling and what might happen.
Regulatory bodies have shown a willingness to work with licenses to handle issues regarding local laws. Civil penalty offenses are prosecuted under the AML/CTF Act.