Is online casino advertising allowed in AU

1) Legislative framework

Online gambling advertising in Australia is regulated by the Interactive Gambling Act (IGA) 2001, and monitored and supervised by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). The law is aimed at protecting players and preventing the promotion of prohibited gambling services.

2) Complete ban on advertising illegal casinos

Any advertising for online casinos not licensed to operate in Australia is completely banned.
The ban applies to TV, radio, outdoor advertising, print media, the Internet, social networks, as well as e-mail mailings.
Promotion of foreign casinos, even if they operate under license from other countries (Curacao, MGA, UKGC), is considered a violation if access to them is open to Australians.

3) What is allowed to advertise

Online bookmakers and sweepstakes with a valid Australian license (State/Territory License).
Lotteries and charity raffles approved by local bodies.
Gambling products permitted by the IGA, subject to all advertising content regulations.

4) Ad content restrictions

Even for permitted operators, strict rules apply:
  • Ads aimed at minors are prohibited (including the use of cartoon graphics or images attractive to children).
  • You cannot make false or misleading statements (for example, guarantee a win).
  • It is forbidden to hide the requirements for the vager and the conditions of bonuses.
  • There must be warnings about responsible gambling (Gamble Responsibly).

5) Online restrictions

Social networks and advertising platforms are required to filter content so that it is not shown to minors and users from regions with a ban.
Promotion through affiliated sites, bloggers or streamers without a gambling license is a violation.
Pop-ups, auto transitions to casinos, aggressive remarketing are prohibited.

6) Liability for violation

Fines for companies - up to 2.75 million AUD for each day of illegal advertising.
Fines for individuals (owners, marketers, partners) - up to 550,000 AUD.
ACMA has the right to:
  • block sites advertising illegal casinos;
  • require content removal;
  • attract foreign advertisers through international cooperation.

7) ACMA practice

In recent years, ACMA has been actively fighting illegal advertising:
  • Blocks dozens of domains monthly;
  • Issues official warnings to media companies and bloggers;
  • Maintains a register of violators available to the public.

8) Withdrawal

In Australia, online casino advertising without a local license is completely banned, and there are record fines for violation. Legally, only permitted gambling products can be advertised with strict adherence to the rules. Any operator or affiliate targeting an Australian audience should carefully check their campaigns' compliance with IGA and ACMA requirements to avoid sanctions.