Australia has long been a global hub for gambling, from pokies in pubs and clubs to world-class casinos and, more recently, online betting. According to reports, Aussies spend more per capita on gambling than any other nation, which makes regulation a hot topic for lawmakers.
In 2025, significant new gambling laws have come into effect, reshaping the way Australians can play both offline and online. These laws aim to balance consumer protection, industry integrity, and responsible gaming. For players, this means understanding the rules before placing a bet.
In this article, we’ll break down:
- The history of gambling regulation in Australia
- What the new laws say in 2025
- How online casinos and sportsbooks are affected
- What it means for foreign operators
- Practical advice for Aussie players
A Brief History of Gambling Regulation in Australia
To understand the new rules, it’s important to look at how gambling has been regulated in the past.
- Pre-2001: Gambling was mostly state-regulated. Each state had its own approach to casinos, pokies, and lotteries.
- 2001 Interactive Gambling Act (IGA): This landmark federal law made it illegal for offshore companies to offer certain types of online gambling (like online casinos) to Australians. However, sports betting and lotteries were exceptions.
- 2017 Amendments: Closed loopholes, forcing unlicensed offshore operators to exit the Australian market.
- 2023-2025 Reforms: Stronger consumer protections, advertising restrictions, mandatory self-exclusion tools, and bans on credit card use for online betting.
Key Highlights of Australia’s New Gambling Laws in 2025
1. Ban on Credit Card Gambling
Players can no longer use credit cards for online wagering, aligning gambling with existing rules for land-based casinos and pokies. This is designed to prevent players from gambling with borrowed money.
2. National Self-Exclusion Register (BetStop)
The BetStop program is now mandatory for all licensed operators. Players can exclude themselves from all online betting and gambling platforms in Australia with a single registration.
3. Stricter Advertising Rules
- No gambling ads during live sports broadcasts between 5 am and 8:30 pm.
- Increased penalties for misleading promotions like “free bets.”
- Mandatory “responsible gambling” taglines on every ad.
4. Online Casino Crackdown
- Online poker and online casino games remain illegal for operators to offer in Australia, unless specifically licensed by state regulators.
- Foreign casinos targeting Australians without approval face multi-million dollar fines.
5. Responsible Gambling Tools
Operators must provide:
- Deposit limits
- Time-out features
- Real-time activity statements
This ensures players are more aware of their gambling habits.
State vs Federal Regulation
While the federal government enforces national rules (like the IGA and BetStop), gambling laws can still differ by state. For example:
- New South Wales (NSW): The biggest pokies market in the world outside Las Vegas.
- Victoria: Known for stricter pokies caps and Crown Casino regulations.
- Queensland: Growing casino market with projects in Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
Players must always check both federal laws and state-specific rules before playing.
Impact on Online Casinos in Australia
Can Aussies Play Online Casinos?
Technically, yes—but with restrictions. Australian law prohibits operators from offering online casino games domestically, but it does not criminalize players who access offshore casinos.
However, the new laws mean:
- Many reputable offshore casinos have withdrawn from the Aussie market.
- Only licensed, responsible operators can advertise or promote services.
- Players risk losing money if they gamble on unlicensed sites.
Safer Licensed Alternatives
Australians are encouraged to play at government-regulated online sportsbooks, lotteries, and betting platforms rather than risky offshore casinos.
The Role of Foreign Operators
Foreign casinos and betting platforms must hold an Australian license to operate legally. Those that do not comply face:
- Enforcement actions
- Website blocking
- Heavy fines
This means players will see fewer shady international casinos advertising in Australia.
What the New Laws Mean for Aussie Players
Pros
- Safer and more responsible gambling environment
- Stronger player protections
- Reduced risk of debt due to credit card ban
- Better transparency in gambling ads
Cons
- Fewer choices in online casinos and poker rooms
- Restrictions on bonuses and free spins
- Players may feel pushed towards offshore “black market” sites
Tips for Players Navigating the New Gambling Laws
- Check for Licenses – Only gamble with operators licensed by AU regulators.
- Use Deposit Limits – Take advantage of mandatory responsible gambling tools.
- Avoid Credit Cards – Debit cards, bank transfers, and e-wallets are safer.
- Stay Informed – Laws are evolving; always read updates from your state regulator.
- Consider Alternatives – Sports betting, lotteries, and licensed betting apps remain widely available.
The Future of Gambling in Australia
Experts predict:
- More state-run licensing for online casinos in the future.
- Increased use of AI tools to monitor problem gambling.
- A possible regulated online poker industry if demand continues.
Australia’s gambling landscape is evolving, and 2025 could be the beginning of even stricter—but safer—regulation.
Conclusion
Australia’s new gambling laws represent a major shift for the country’s casino and betting industry. While some players may feel restricted, the overall goal is to protect Australians from gambling-related harm while ensuring fair play.
For punters, the key takeaway is simple: know the laws before you play. By sticking with licensed operators, setting limits, and staying informed, Aussie players can enjoy gambling responsibly in this new era of regulation.
About the Author
