Is it possible to legally play slots, roulette and poker on the Internet
1) Legislative framework
The question of the legality of online slots, roulette and poker in Australia is regulated by the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA). The law strictly restricts the types of interactive gambling that can be offered on the Internet to Australian users, and introduces direct bans on a number of popular formats.
Compliance with these standards is monitored by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), which also maintains a register of banned sites and blocks illegal platforms.
2) Online slots (slot machines)
Status: Completely banned for Australian players as part of online gambling.
Regardless of whether the operator is internationally licensed, Australians cannot legally play internet slots.
There are no exceptions: even offshore platforms that provide access to slots are considered lawbreakers, and ACMA blocks their sites.
The reason for the ban is a high dependence on chance, a fast pace of play and increased risks of ludomania.
3) Online roulette, blackjack and other casino games
Status: Prohibited.
Includes roulette, blackjack, baccarat and similar games running through RNG (random number generator) or live dealers.
Even having a licence in Curaçao, Malta or another jurisdiction does not make the game legal for Australians unless it is approved under local regulation.
4) Online poker
Status: prohibited in most cases.
Online poker falls under the category of interactive casino games.
However, there are limited exceptions where poker may be played as part of private online tournaments organized under a state or territory license.
In recent years, there have been discussions about the possible legalization and regulation of online poker, but there are no changes for 2025 - only ground clubs and offline tournaments remain in the legal field.
5) Risks of playing prohibited formats
Access blocking: ACMA regularly adds sites with online slots, roulette and poker to the blacklist.
Lack of player protection: Australian law does not oblige offshore operators to return funds or ensure fair play.
Payout issues: Players often have disputes and delays that cannot be resolved through Australian bodies.
6) What can be played legally instead
Instead of slots, roulette and poker on the Internet, Australians can legally participate in:
Conclusion:
The question of the legality of online slots, roulette and poker in Australia is regulated by the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA). The law strictly restricts the types of interactive gambling that can be offered on the Internet to Australian users, and introduces direct bans on a number of popular formats.
Compliance with these standards is monitored by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), which also maintains a register of banned sites and blocks illegal platforms.
2) Online slots (slot machines)
Status: Completely banned for Australian players as part of online gambling.
Regardless of whether the operator is internationally licensed, Australians cannot legally play internet slots.
There are no exceptions: even offshore platforms that provide access to slots are considered lawbreakers, and ACMA blocks their sites.
The reason for the ban is a high dependence on chance, a fast pace of play and increased risks of ludomania.
3) Online roulette, blackjack and other casino games
Status: Prohibited.
Includes roulette, blackjack, baccarat and similar games running through RNG (random number generator) or live dealers.
Even having a licence in Curaçao, Malta or another jurisdiction does not make the game legal for Australians unless it is approved under local regulation.
4) Online poker
Status: prohibited in most cases.
Online poker falls under the category of interactive casino games.
However, there are limited exceptions where poker may be played as part of private online tournaments organized under a state or territory license.
In recent years, there have been discussions about the possible legalization and regulation of online poker, but there are no changes for 2025 - only ground clubs and offline tournaments remain in the legal field.
5) Risks of playing prohibited formats
Access blocking: ACMA regularly adds sites with online slots, roulette and poker to the blacklist.
Lack of player protection: Australian law does not oblige offshore operators to return funds or ensure fair play.
Payout issues: Players often have disputes and delays that cannot be resolved through Australian bodies.
6) What can be played legally instead
Instead of slots, roulette and poker on the Internet, Australians can legally participate in:
- Online sports and esports betting.
- Horse racing and dog racing stakes.
- Official lotteries and sweepstakes.
Conclusion:
- For 2025, Australian law prohibits online slots, roulette, blackjack and poker as standard. Any game in these formats via the Internet is available only on illegal platforms, which carries high risks of blocking and loss of funds. It is safer to choose the permitted types of gambling or land-based casinos.
