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About the Interactive Gambling Act

The Interactive Gambling Act sets the rules for companies that offer or advertise gambling services. It covers all gambling that takes place online, through a website or app and via a telephone.

The Interactive Gambling Act 2001 makes it illegal for gambling providers to offer some online services to people in Australia. Banned services include:

  • online casinos
  • in-play sports betting
  • sports betting services which do not hold an Australian licence
  • betting on the outcome of a lottery

Banned services must not be advertised in Australia. They also must not promote or offer credit for online betting.

If you believe someone has broken a rule in the Interactive Gambling Act, you can make a complaint.

Changes to the Act in 2019

The law changed in 2019 to allow us to bring in the National Self-Exclusion Register

Changes to the Act in 2017

The law changed in 2017 to combat groups from outside Australia that provide illegal gambling services over the internet.

Following the reforms in the Interactive Gambling Amendment Act 2017:

Since the reforms:

  • Over 180 online gambling services have withdrawn from the Australian market
  • Reports show that the amount of money people lost on gambling services based outside Australia has reduced

An industry code supports the Act. It sets out how internet service providers can follow the rules.

Consumer protections

The government has introduced the National Consumer Protection Framework. This contains 10 measures to help problem gamblers. For example, it helps them:

If you or someone you know might have an online gambling problem, seek help through Gambling Help Online.

 

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