Comply with Interactive Gambling Act 2001
Prohibited interactive gambling services (online casino, in-play sports betting) banned in/to Australia.
Who must comply
Any person providing or advertising an interactive gambling service to people in Australia, whether based in Australia or offshore, including anyone knowingly concerned in a contravention. Australian-licensed interactive wagering providers must also follow the credit ban and BetStop rules.
What triggers it
Offering online or telephone gambling to customers in Australia, advertising a prohibited or unlicensed gambling service in Australia, or (for licensed wagering providers) accepting deposits and opening accounts.
When due
Continuous. Credit card and digital currency payment ban in force from 11 June 2024. Most Gambling Reform Act 2026 changes (advertising limits, opt-out register, inducement and commission restrictions) commence on 1 January 2027.
Evidence required
Licence held in an Australian state or territory for any wagering offered; product map confirming no casino, scratchie, in-play or lottery-outcome betting is offered to Australians; payment method controls excluding credit cards and digital currency; records showing BetStop registrants are excluded; advertising approval records; affiliate and staff remuneration terms ahead of the 2027 commission ban.
Max penalty
The ACMA states that civil penalties accrue for each day a prohibited service is provided, with a higher maximum for corporations than for individuals (the current amounts are set in penalty units under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 and published by the ACMA), and that contraveners (including anyone who helps) may also face criminal charges. The ACMA can ask internet service providers to block illegal gambling websites and refer directors and principals to the Australian Border Force for the Movement Alert List
Who must comply with this? The applicability test by industry, business structure and size.
Summary
The Interactive Gambling Act 2001, administered by the ACMA, sets the rules for companies that offer or advertise gambling services online, through a website or app, or by telephone. It is illegal to provide people in Australia with online casinos (slots, poker, blackjack, roulette and other casino-style games), online scratchies, in-play sports betting, sports betting services that do not hold an Australian licence, or betting on the outcome of a lottery. Prohibited services must not be advertised in Australia. Licensed online and telephone wagering providers may not offer or facilitate credit, and since 11 June 2024 cannot accept deposits by credit card, credit-linked digital wallets or digital currency. People who register with BetStop, the National Self-Exclusion Register, are excluded from all Australian-licensed online and phone wagering services. The Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026, passed on 19 August 2026, adds advertising restrictions, a gambling advertising opt-out register, limits on inducements and a ban on activity-based commissions, with most reforms commencing on 1 January 2027.
Enforced by
Source legislation
Industries
Topics
Related
- All statesHold state-issued gambling licence (operator + venue)Wagering, casino, gaming machine + lottery operators require state-issued licences with operator probity.
- All statesRSA + RCG mandatory training (liquor + gaming)Staff serving alcohol or in gaming venues need RSA / RCG certificates.
- CWLTHComply with BetStop self-exclusion and responsible wagering rules (interactive wagering providers)Licensed interactive wagering providers must close the accounts of BetStop registrants, stop marketing to them and refuse credit-card, credit and digital-currency payment.
Frequently asked questions
- Who must comply with Interactive Gambling Act 2001?
- Any person providing or advertising an interactive gambling service to people in Australia, whether based in Australia or offshore, including anyone knowingly concerned in a contravention. Australian-licensed interactive wagering providers must also follow the credit ban and BetStop rules.
- What triggers Interactive Gambling Act 2001?
- Offering online or telephone gambling to customers in Australia, advertising a prohibited or unlicensed gambling service in Australia, or (for licensed wagering providers) accepting deposits and opening accounts.
- When is Interactive Gambling Act 2001 due?
- Continuous. Credit card and digital currency payment ban in force from 11 June 2024. Most Gambling Reform Act 2026 changes (advertising limits, opt-out register, inducement and commission restrictions) commence on 1 January 2027.
- What is the maximum penalty for Interactive Gambling Act 2001?
- The ACMA states that civil penalties accrue for each day a prohibited service is provided, with a higher maximum for corporations than for individuals (the current amounts are set in penalty units under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 and published by the ACMA), and that contraveners (including anyone who helps) may also face criminal charges. The ACMA can ask internet service providers to block illegal gambling websites and refer directors and principals to the Australian Border Force for the Movement Alert List
- What evidence is required for Interactive Gambling Act 2001?
- Licence held in an Australian state or territory for any wagering offered; product map confirming no casino, scratchie, in-play or lottery-outcome betting is offered to Australians; payment method controls excluding credit cards and digital currency; records showing BetStop registrants are excluded; advertising approval records; affiliate and staff remuneration terms ahead of the 2027 commission ban.
Source: https://www.acma.gov.au/about-interactive-gambling-act. Rules Mate is not a law firm. Always verify against the live regulator source before acting.