And they are particularly prevalent in NSW, which has almost as many pokies as the rest of Australia combined. Australians own and operate three of the world’s largest crypto casinos — two of which have made their owners into billionaires, with Shuffle doing its best to make it three. It also called for better collaboration with overseas regulators, especially in places like Curaçao where illegal sites proliferate. Before his alleged crimes came to light, he was a well-known Shuffle affiliate who often exchanged friendly banter with Shuffle’s staff on social media, including co-founder Noah Dummett. This puts Shuffle among the top five “crypto casinos” globally, just two years after its launch.
That said, many international online casinos still accept Australian players. While the IGA targets service providers rather than individual players, Australians should be aware that these overseas sites operate outside Australian regulations, meaning consumer protections may be limited. Our best live dealer online casino other recommendations to reduce gambling exposure and introduce mandatory pre-commitment should significantly reduce gambling harm, and, consequently, demand for help services. But if the review finds that more funding for services and/or research is needed, governments could make up the gap by increasing gambling taxes and closing tax loopholes.
Responsible Gambling at Australian Online Casinos
- Many video games include gambling-like features that familiarise children with gambling and can be a gateway to other gambling.
- This table provides a time series of total gambling turnover by state and territory.
- This offence also carries a maximum penalty of 5000 penalty units, applicable each day the unlawful service is provided.
- Chapter 4 explores how governments can ensure reforms stick, by standing up to the vested interests, rebutting their self-interested claims, and coordinating reform efforts across jurisdictions.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is the key regulator enforcing the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA). Under Section 15(2A) of the IGA, it is unlawful for any virtual gambling portal service provider (whether based in Australia or overseas) to offer or advertise prohibited interactive gambling services to Australian residents. For the daring, high-rolling Aussies, VIP programs are the grandstands of online casinos.
Who Regulates Australian Online Casino Sites?
Online gambling is legal and regulated in Australia under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA). There is a risk that some people in the grip of gambling addiction seek out unlicensed websites in a deliberate attempt to circumvent loss limits. But, under current regulations, legal websites are not much safer than illegal ones for heavy gamblers.
✅ Bottom Line: No Hype, Just the Best Casinos for Aussie Players
In other countries, high-impact, high-loss ‘Australian-style’ machines are typically confined to casinos.11 But in Australia, they are pockmarked across our suburbs and towns, increasing the risk of harm. Pokies are in our suburban pubs and clubs, and betting is constantly available at our fingertips. And a flood of advertising, even in the most obviously inappropriate places,6 continually prompts us to gamble. People who gamble, their families, and the broader community pay the price in their finances, health, and wellbeing. Properly regulated casinos — both online and offline — are covered by strict anti-money laundering laws, requiring them to “know your customer” when funds are transferred in and out of their accounts. It is all part of an online game show run by Shuffle — an Australian-run online casino that is banned in its own backyard.