Are online casino apps legal for Android and iOS
1) General legal context
In Australia, online casinos are regulated by the Interactive Gambling Act (IGA) 2001, which prohibits the provision of gambling on the Internet in an uncontrolled form. The ban also includes the distribution of mobile applications offering prohibited types of gambling.
This means that it is officially impossible to legally place an application on the App Store and Google Play in Australia that provides access to online casinos with real money games if the operator does not have the appropriate license and the right to operate in the AU market.
2) The position of Google and Apple
Google Play: In Australia, only gambling apps that have local permission and comply with the law are allowed to be hosted. For online casinos, this is almost impossible, since licenses for casinos with slots and roulette are not issued in AU. Sports betting and lotteries are allowed.
App Store (Apple): applies a similar approach - real-money gambling applications are allowed only for operators whose activities are allowed in a particular country.
3) Allowed and prohibited formats
Allowed:
Prohibited:
4) Using foreign casino applications
While Australian law does not fine players for using foreign apps, such apps are:
5) Technical and legal risks
Locks: ACMA can initiate locks on sites and servers to which the application connects.
Security: Apps outside official stores are harder to test for safety
Legality: The application operator may violate the IGA, but there is no direct criminal liability for the player.
6) Recommendations for players
If the app is on Google Play or App Store AU - check if it has a license to operate in Australia (usually indicated in the description).
For foreign applications - download only from the official sites of the operator and avoid third-party resources.
Prefer the browser version of the casino, which is adapted for mobile devices and does not require installation.
7) Conclusion
Online casino apps with real money games in official Android and iOS stores in Australia are not actually represented due to legal restrictions. Only locally licensed betting and lottery formats are allowed. Players can use foreign apps, but this comes with technical and legal risks, as well as cybersecurity issues.
In Australia, online casinos are regulated by the Interactive Gambling Act (IGA) 2001, which prohibits the provision of gambling on the Internet in an uncontrolled form. The ban also includes the distribution of mobile applications offering prohibited types of gambling.
This means that it is officially impossible to legally place an application on the App Store and Google Play in Australia that provides access to online casinos with real money games if the operator does not have the appropriate license and the right to operate in the AU market.
2) The position of Google and Apple
Google Play: In Australia, only gambling apps that have local permission and comply with the law are allowed to be hosted. For online casinos, this is almost impossible, since licenses for casinos with slots and roulette are not issued in AU. Sports betting and lotteries are allowed.
App Store (Apple): applies a similar approach - real-money gambling applications are allowed only for operators whose activities are allowed in a particular country.
3) Allowed and prohibited formats
Allowed:
- Bookmaker apps licensed in AU.
- Lottery applications operating under the control of government operators.
- Sports and horse racing betting apps.
Prohibited:
- Mobile apps with access to slots, roulette, blackjack and other real-money casino games.
- Live casinos with real dealers (through local applications).
4) Using foreign casino applications
While Australian law does not fine players for using foreign apps, such apps are:
- Usually not available on Australian Google Play and App Store.
- Require download from the casino website or third-party resources (APK files for Android).
- May violate App Store/Google Play rules and carry security risks (malicious code, phishing).
5) Technical and legal risks
Locks: ACMA can initiate locks on sites and servers to which the application connects.
Security: Apps outside official stores are harder to test for safety
Legality: The application operator may violate the IGA, but there is no direct criminal liability for the player.
6) Recommendations for players
If the app is on Google Play or App Store AU - check if it has a license to operate in Australia (usually indicated in the description).
For foreign applications - download only from the official sites of the operator and avoid third-party resources.
Prefer the browser version of the casino, which is adapted for mobile devices and does not require installation.
7) Conclusion
Online casino apps with real money games in official Android and iOS stores in Australia are not actually represented due to legal restrictions. Only locally licensed betting and lottery formats are allowed. Players can use foreign apps, but this comes with technical and legal risks, as well as cybersecurity issues.
