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:
- We publish a register of Australian-licensed interactive wagering service providers.
- Some operators are not allowed to offer or enable lines of credit to Australians.
- We have new tools to make people follow the rules.
- We can refer the directors and principals of offending companies to the Australian Border Force.
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- Over 180 online gambling services have withdrawn from the Australian market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:
- add themselves to a register that prevents access to interactive betting services
- choose to set their limit before they start gambling.
If you or someone you know might have an online gambling problem, seek help through Gambling Help Online.
External legislation and studies
Documents that explain the change and the review into illegal betting services.