What is prohibited in licensed casinos in Australia
1. Legislative framework
The main regulation governing online gambling in Australia is the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA). It establishes a list of permitted and prohibited forms of gambling on the Internet, and also regulates the activities of licensed operators. Compliance with the law is monitored by ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority).
2. Prohibited online gambling in Australian licensed casinos
As part of the Australian licence, online casinos are not allowed to offer the following games and services to players:
3. Limited forms of permitted gambling
Even with a licence, only some types of online betting are allowed in Australia:
4. Prohibition on certain functions and mechanics
In addition to the games themselves, licensed casinos in Australia are required to exclude the following features:
5. Ban on advertising and incentives
Licensed Australian operators are also limited in marketing activity:
6. Sanctions for violation
If a licensed casino or bookmaker violates the prohibitions, the ACMA has the right to:
Conclusion:
The main regulation governing online gambling in Australia is the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA). It establishes a list of permitted and prohibited forms of gambling on the Internet, and also regulates the activities of licensed operators. Compliance with the law is monitored by ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority).
2. Prohibited online gambling in Australian licensed casinos
As part of the Australian licence, online casinos are not allowed to offer the following games and services to players:
- Online slot machines (slots) - regardless of their theme and mechanics.
- Online roulette - in any format, including live versions.
- Online blackjack and other casino card games.
- Online poker (the exception is rare licensed tournaments within individual operators, but not in a casino format).
- Bones (craps) and other board gambling.
- Live dealer games - live casinos are completely prohibited.
3. Limited forms of permitted gambling
Even with a licence, only some types of online betting are allowed in Australia:
- Sports betting (including real-time betting, but with strict restrictions on admission) - offered only by bookmakers with a state/territory license.
- Betting on lotteries (including syndicates and pools).
- Betting on horse racing and other sweepstakes.
- Fantasy sports - allowed in the format of contests for money.
4. Prohibition on certain functions and mechanics
In addition to the games themselves, licensed casinos in Australia are required to exclude the following features:
- Autospin in slots - even if played on an international platform with an Australian license.
- Fast play function - artificial acceleration of spin animation.
- Anonymous play without identification - age and identity verification (KYC) is mandatory.
- Bonuses with opaque conditions - all promotions must be accompanied by a clear vager and validity periods.
- Acceptance of bets on credit - credit deposits and overdrafts are prohibited.
5. Ban on advertising and incentives
Licensed Australian operators are also limited in marketing activity:
- Ads targeting under-18s are banned.
- You can't use the assertion that the game is a way to make money.
- Limited use of bonuses in advertising messages (especially welcome offers).
- Direct advertising of unlicensed products is prohibited.
6. Sanctions for violation
If a licensed casino or bookmaker violates the prohibitions, the ACMA has the right to:
- cancel the license;
- impose a fine (up to AUD millions for large operators);
- block the site and blacklist it;
- transfer the case to law enforcement agencies to initiate a criminal case.
Conclusion:
- Licensed online casinos in Australia operate under strict restrictions: most traditional casino games (slots, roulette, blackjack, live dealers) are completely prohibited, and only sports betting, lotteries and sweepstakes are allowed. This approach aims to reduce the risks of ludomania and protect players, but simultaneously stimulates interest in overseas licensed platforms that are not subject to Australian jurisdiction.
