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Gambling Laws in Australia: Legal Betting Guide 2026

The state and/or territory taxes that apply to gambling products depend upon the relevant licence under which the product is being offered, the type of product and also the jurisdiction in which the product is offered. In addition to the compulsory responsible gambling messages and warnings, it is an offence to advertise an inducement to open a betting account or to refer another person to open a betting account and, in some jurisdictions, to gamble or to gamble more frequently. With the exception of virtual/simulated racing (which is generally only offered in retail venues including hotels and clubs), this betting is generally offered at racecourses, retail venues, online and by telephone. 2.5 By Relevant Product, what are the key limits on providing services to customers?
Corporate Bookmakers typically also offer ‘totalisator-derivative’ or ‘tote odds’ type betting. Corporate Bookmakers offer fixed-odds betting online and over the telephone on sport, racing and other approved events, whereas On-course Bookmakers offer fixed-odds betting on-course and, subject to approval, also over the telephone and in some instances online on similar events as a Corporate Bookmaker. There are also various subordinate legislative instruments, including regulations, which have not been included. For completeness, the authors note that the list of gambling brisbane- related legislation below is not an exhaustive list. For completeness, it is worth noting that, to a lesser extent, local government bodies in most states and territories also regulate gambling from a local government and town planning perspective, but typically only as it relates to gaming machines and their operation within the relevant municipal district.
A casino licence permits the relevant casino to typically offer traditional table games and gaming machines. Each state and territory has a relevant Casino Control Act (or similar legislation) under which casino licences have been issued. 2.2 Where Licences are available, please outline the structure of the relevant licensing regime. Similarly, a skill game with no element of chance is also not considered gambling and does not require any licence, unless it is operated online and falls within certain ‘interactive gaming’ regimes regulated by state and territory gambling regulators. Bingo is often regarded as minor gaming and may be conducted for fundraising or charitable purposes, typically by a community or other not-for-profit organisation. In relation to hotels and clubs, a venue requires both a gaming venue licence and also a permit/licence for each gaming machine a venue operates.
The NSER, which operates under the name ‘BetStop’, commenced operations in August 2023. It is possible that these restrictions may become more restrictive once the Commonwealth government responds to the Australian House of Representatives report and recommendations into the online wagering sector, entitled ‘You Win Some You Lose More’. All gambling-related licences issued by a state or territory are subject to strict requirements relating to responsible gambling and harm minimisation. There is also a federal Goods & Services Tax of 10% payable on net revenue from gambling products; however, state and territory taxation rates sometimes take this into account, and it is offset against taxation payable to state and territory governments. In the NT, Corporate Bookmakers (and betting exchange operators) are required to pay a sports bookmaking tax on all net revenue and also a Racing and Wagering Levy which, among things, is applied to gambling harm reduction measures. This is a departure from the previous ‘point of supply’ regime, under which states and territories derived no betting tax revenue from Corporate Bookmakers and other licensed betting operators taking bets online in the relevant jurisdiction. By way of example, putting aside a federal company tax of either 25% or 30% on profits and a goods and services tax (GST) of 10% on gross revenue, the sole casino licensee in Vic paid a multi-million-dollar licence fee to the state for the right to operate the only casino.
Advocates of cashless gaming consider that it will assist in identifying and preventing improper use of poker machines and mitigate gambling harm when coupled with the use of mandatory pre-commitment limits. The use of digital currencies (including cryptocurrency) for gambling purposes is not common in the jurisdiction and, in the case of online wagering and betting, was expressly prohibited following amendments to the Interactive Gambling Act in 2024. Are there any specific licensing or operational requirements for operators accepting digital currencies (including cryptocurrencies)? Under the AML/CTF Act, certain gambling activities are classified as ‘designated services’ and, as such, reporting entities are required, among other things, to register with AUSTRAC, develop and maintain a compliant AML/CTF Program and report certain transactions to AUSTRAC, including by way of TTRs and SMRs. Included in this are restrictions at a state and territory level in relation to gambling advertising and also inducements to open an account and, in some jurisdictions, to gamble or to gamble more frequently.
If games are not entirely skill-based (that is, there is an element of chance), then they will be subject to the relevant gaming laws. The relevant regulatory bodies are the Northern Territory Racing and Wagering Commission (NTRWC) and Licensing NT. Betting on fantasy sports in Australia is offered by some corporate bookmakers licensed in the NT (Corporate Bookmakers). Poker is typically played within casinos and is regulated as a table game by the state and territory gambling regulators detailed below. Casino gaming (including slots and casino table games such as roulette & blackjack) The tables are set, the slots are whirring, and Brisbane's casino life awaits you!
Regional Queenslanders lost significantly more to the pokies than inner-city Brisbanites, with the worst poker machine losers hailing from north Queensland. However, the report found the department lacked knowledge into whether these programs effectively reduced or prevented gambling harm. "At the time of the audit, implementation of programs and initiatives was significantly behind schedule and had been subject to limited oversight.
Spearheaded by Echo Entertainment, it promises a grand casino featuring 868 poker machines and 2,500 pokies upon its launch. This establishment, operated by Morris Group, provides visitors with a charming gaming atmosphere coupled with high-quality hotel rooms and entertainment. Boasting over 300 pokies and an assortment of other engaging casino games. This Act, also regulated by the OLGR, specifically governs the licensing and operation of sports and race betting services in Queensland (which are permitted under Federal law). The prohibition on providing online casino-style services (pokies, blackjack, roulette) to Australians is governed by the Commonwealth (Federal) law, the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (Cth). When discussing online gambling in Australia, it is critical to distinguish between Commonwealth (Federal) law and State (Queensland) law.
Bruce Mathieson, who operates the Australian Liquor and Hospitality group with Woolworths, holds about a 10% share in Star and has expressed interest in potentially acquiring the Gold Coast casino should opportunities arise. Land-based casinos in Queensland operate under regulatory supervision, ensuring player safety and fair play, adhering to established laws and regulations. Despite the availability of international online casinos, it’s crucial to note that these platforms operate outside Australian jurisdiction. This pivotal legislation, passed by the Australian Commonwealth Parliament, prohibits the advertisement and provision of real-money online gambling services to Australian citizens.