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Commonwealth act
The Interactive Gambling Act 2001 is Australia's main law controlling online gambling. Think of it as a rulebook that decides what kinds of gambling businesses can legally serve Australian customers over the internet, phone, or other electronic networks.
If you're a gambler: You can legally use licensed Australian online wagering services (like betting on horse races or sports through a licensed Australian operator). However, offshore (overseas) online casinos and poker sites are banned from legally serving you. You also cannot use a credit card, buy-now-pay-later service, or cryptocurrency (digital currency) to fund your bets with licensed Australian wagering services.
If you're a gambling business: You face serious consequences — criminal charges and large fines — if you:
If you're an internet service provider (ISP): You may be required to block access to illegal gambling websites under industry codes or government-set standards.
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Direct links to the current provisions in Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
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View on official registerSourced from the Federal Register of Legislation (legislation.gov.au), CC BY 4.0.
The ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority) — a government regulator — investigates complaints, can order ISPs to block illegal gambling websites, and can take civil action. Police can handle criminal charges for the most serious breaches.
Small bookmakers (telephone-based, under $30 million turnover, operating at racecourses) get an exemption from the credit ban — they can still offer credit to customers over the phone.