Gambling Laws and Regulations Report 2026 Australia

Such sweepstakes games can be differentiated from ‘trade promotion lotteries’ which are common in the jurisdiction. Unlike other jurisdictions, sweepstakes models which involve redemptions outside the platform are not operated in this jurisdiction (at least in any overt manner). Yes, Queensland players can legally access international online pokies through overseas-licensed platforms.
This means your big win at the TAB, or a lottery jackpot, stays yours, no strings attached. If you bet for fun, whether on sports, racing, or lotteries, you don’t pay tax on your winnings. If you see an ad that appears to be misleading, you can report it to the ACMA or your state regulator for further action. However, they must include messages about responsible gambling. Nationwide, pokies are heavily regulated due to their addictive nature. Pokies, or gaming machines, are Australia’s most popular gambling form, with thousands in pubs, clubs, and casinos. New South Wales uses the Betting and Racing Act 1998 for wagering, and Queensland relies on the QOLGR for licensing.
Set out below is a list of the primary legislation governing gaming, betting, lotteries and social/skill arrangements for each Australian state/territory, as well as at the federal level. 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. Each of Australia’s eight mainland states and territories separately regulates gambling activities within each of their respective jurisdictions.
For residents of the Sunshine State, gambling is a significant pastime, with recent data showing continuous high engagement in gaming machines (pokies) and a surging preference for convenient online play. Queensland casinos to have cash limits, new penalties in gambling reforms prompted by Star report There has been significant growth in this area with various business models implemented (including ‘membership-style’ businesses) which have been investigated by regulatory authorities and are the subject of litigation in the SA.
The federal government has enacted ‘rules’ that restrict gambling advertising and odds promotion during broadcasts of live sport, with one key objective being to limit its exposure to children. Hotels and clubs are permitted to provide approved gaming machines in the licensed premises. Lotteries licensees can offer their approved lottery products through retail newsagencies, other approved retail venues, third-party agents, resellers and also online. Casino licences provide that casinos are only permitted to offer casino games and gaming machines to patrons present within the casino. The NICC did, however, impose a fine of AUS $15 million on account of four breaches of regulatory requirements. The authors also note that the NICC issued The Star Sydney with a show cause notice in September 2024 after a report found that it was not fit to hold a licence.
However, licensing responsibilities remain with state and territory regulators rather than the ACMA. In Australia, gambling compliance requirements vary by state or territory and by the type of gambling service offered. Recently, there have been increasing calls for a ban on or stricter restrictions for gambling ads as well as implementing cashless gambling cards with preset limits. More online gambling operators like Gigabet and Titanbet are entering the market, and more people are participating in various forms of online betting, including sports betting, casino games, poker, and more.
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. 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. 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.
Separately, SkyCity Group (SA) was ordered by the Federal Court to pay a $67 million penalty in June 2024, after AUSTRAC launched civil penalty proceedings against it for breaches of the AML/CTF legislation. In Vic, a ‘special manager’ was appointed to assess and report on remediation efforts of the licensee of Crown’s Melbourne casino. This has included action taken by AUSTRAC in relation to casino licensees in Vic, NSW, Qld, WA and also SA examining money laundering issues (including those concerning ‘junket operators’). The ACMA has also been particularly active in relation to enforcement action in connection with spam legislation where infringements by a number of wagering operators have been identified. Enforcement action by the ACMA is also likely to continue following the implementation of various legislative changes, including in relation to illegal gambling sites and following the recent commencement of the NSER.
Brisbane casino dress code casinos typically feature Australian-developed pokies from industry giants like Aristocrat and IGT. From traditional table games like blackjack, roulette, and baccarat to the latest electronic gaming machines, the casino floor offers comprehensive options for players of all experience levels. The Australian government takes responsible gambling seriously, implementing various measures to protect players from gambling harm. Legal sites adhere to strict guidelines, including verifying your identity within three days and providing responsible gambling tools. Check your state’s rules before playing to understand limits and protections.