Are Online Pokies Legal in Australia? Understanding the Laws in 2024
The popularity of online pokies has not only continued to grow, but also continues to grow. However, not all newcomers are convinced of the legality of this type of gambling. Betting and online poker is still more or less familiar to a wide range of people. But leave and the activities of online casinos are still poorly covered.
To dispel all doubts, Taylor Auten has studied in detail what modern legislation says about online pokies.
The Main Laws in Australia That Apply to Online Pokies
Australia’s legislation regarding online gambling, or as it is known locally, interactive gambling, is strictly regulated on a national level. One of the key pieces of legislation is the Interactive Gambling Act (IGA), passed in 2001. The main purpose of the Act was to protect Australian players from the risks associated with online pokies AUS on the Internet and to restrict the access of unlicensed operators to the market.
The IGA Act prohibits Australian companies from providing online casino and poker games to Australian residents. However, it is noteworthy that such companies can operate outside Australia, offering online pokies Australia services to players from other countries quite legally. Thus, online casinos targeting the local market are breaking the law, while those targeting the international market are operating within the law.
In 2016, the law was amended to clarify the provision on online casinos and poker. The amendment effectively blocked international casino and poker sites from accessing the Australian market unless they held an Australian licence. However, obtaining such a licence proved impossible as there was no formal process established for applying for one. The only exception was the Northern Australian Territory, which offered licence conditions for some international operators and Australian online pokies.
Amendments to the Law Regarding Online Pokies
With the development of technology and the increasing availability of best online pokies Australia on the internet, Australia has long been slow to actively regulate online gambling. Until 2016, Australians could play poker and other gambling games 24/7 through offshore sites, which opened up a lot of opportunities for operators and players, but left regulation almost nil. However, the industry and specifically AU pokies grew so rapidly that by 2023 its revenues reached AU$7.52bn. Eventually, the federal government recognised the need for reform.
Key amendments to interactive Aussie pokies legislation
A series of amendments to the Interactive Gambling Act (IGA) from 2016 significantly changed the rules for online casinos and poker. The aim of these reforms is to close loopholes and increase control over offshore operators. Here are the main changes:
- Interactive Gambling Amendment Act (2016).
This amendment made it clear that offshore gambling sites are not allowed to offer their Australia pokies services to Australian players unless they have a licence from the Australian authorities. The amendment also strengthened the powers of the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), allowing them to block unlicensed sites and fine operators who break the law; - Lottery Betting Act (2018).
The amendment banned online lotteries and keno betting for Australian players, closing another loophole for offshore operators; - National Self-Exclusion Register Act (2019).
This law allowed players to self-exclude themselves from all online pokies AUS for periods ranging from three months to life. This is a powerful tool to combat gambling addiction, offering protection on a national level; - Lending and Other Measures Act (2023).
The amendment banned the use of digital currencies and credit cards to pay for aussie online pokies. The move is aimed at preventing player debt and improving control over financial transactions.
Responsible Gambling and Measures to Protect Players
Taylor Auten emphasises that one important reform was the ability for Australians to use the national self-exclusion register. This innovation gave players a real tool to control their gambling activity, allowing them to exclude themselves from all gambling platforms for long periods of time. The amendments also included tighter financial controls in pokies online to minimise the risk of debt and improve the protection of players’ personal data.
The legislative amendments thus significantly restricted access to online poker and gambling, emphasising the protection of players and the prevention of gambling addiction.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not reflect those of Geek Vibes Nation. This article is for educational purposes only.
