Gambling In Australia

Do you live in the “Land Down Under”? Does the idea of playing Australian online casino games interest you? If you answered “yes” to both of these questions, then keep reading. We’ll be talking about how you can take advantage of the opportunity of playing your favorite online casino games. 

While online casinos may not be accessible to some parts of the world due to no laws or regulations declaring them legal, places like Australia are taking advantage of the full legality. And online casino players are wasting little to no time capitalizing on the opportunity.

Whether you are a fan of blackjack or enjoy playing a few rounds of roulette, you’d be hard-pressed to find a place where you can have a lot of fun online.

Especially when many people are eschewing the idea of going to a land-based casino even throughout the recent year. With that in mind, let’s discuss how gambling got legalized in Australia and what’s available for games:

The Interactive Gambling Act of 2001 Explained

Since 2001, the Interactive Gambling Act (IGA) has been the law in the books that gave the green light to online gambling. The law allows online casino operators to host games such as slots, blackjack, roulette, poker, craps, and many others. These games of chance are covered under the IGA.

In accordance to the law, it is a violation if an online casino operator does the following:

■ Provide online casinos or games that are unlicensed or unregulated to residents in Australia

■ Provide online games that are prohibited throughout Australia

■ Provide an interactive gambling service that is Australian-based and offered in designated countries

Regardless if an operator is based in Australia or outside of the country (but owned by an Australian citizen or entity). The effects of gambling can be harmful in Australia. Therefore, it is important for such a law like the IGA to exist.

This law is aimed at casino game providers that are based in Australia or owned by Australian citizens outside of the country. It does not target the customers or users of online casinos who are just playing for the fun of it.

It is important for citizens of Australia to be aware of which online casino they tend to do business with. Some of them may be the closest things to a scam where citizens of the country can lose money. Unfortunately in some cases, that lost money may never be returned.

Is it legal to advertise online gambling in Australia?

In Australia, the IGA prohibits advertisements for online casinos in Australia. This means that an online casino shall not employ any kind of advertising on both digital and non-digital platforms. Billboards, TV, and radio ads for online casinos are prohibited (the same goes for banner ads, Facebook ads, social media ads, and so on).

Online service providers in Australia are protected from any liability brought on by third parties who manage to use tricks and bypasses to advertise online casinos. However, knowingly and recklessly allowing such information will be considered a violation of the IGA.

Sports betting

One of the exceptions for online gambling in Australia covers sports betting. Australian citizens are allowed to use sports betting sites regardless if they are based in Australia or outside of the country. All bets must be closed before the start of a sporting contest or motorsports race.

Sports betting sites can be operated in Australia. So long as they follow the rules and regulations as outlined by the IGA, they should be in good standing. These Australia-based sports betting sites are allowed to offer these services to residents outside of the country.

One caveat to address is that there are designated countries that will prohibit any kind of online gambling. This means that Australian-based online casinos (including sports betting sites) shall not provide any service to citizens in those countries.

Depending on the country, internet service providers may implement software that will block or blacklist a gambling site so that it is inaccessible to its citizens.

Is in-play betting allowed?

In-play betting is defined as placing bets on a contest while it is ongoing. These typically happen on some sportsbook sites. Australian sportsbook sites are prohibited from providing this kind of service. However, gamblers in Australia can look elsewhere to other sports betting sites that may allow in-play betting to occur.

Frequently Asked Questions

■ What is the most popular casino game in Australia?

While there are plenty of different casino games that are offered to Australians online, one such popular game is known as “pokies”. Pokies is similar to slot machine games. However, the only difference is that you’ll be using five reels instead of the traditional three reels that you’ll find with regular slot machine games.

You can place your bets and when should you get matching symbols.

■ Do Australians need to pay taxes on their winnings?

One of the best things about gambling in Australia is that there is no obligation to pay taxes on your winnings. That’s because gambling is not considered an occupation. Therefore, no matter if you win small or large, you pay nothing to the government in terms of taxes. You keep 100 percent of your money.

■ Can Australians play online casino games based outside of the country?

Yes. As long as the offshore casino has the right licensing and clearance to allow Australian players. This will give Australians plenty of flexibility on which games to play.

Final Thoughts

Online gambling in Australia is legal and it should be fun for most players. However, the laws and regulations must be followed by operators within the country. If you are a casino game player, you’ll have plenty of options at your disposal.

You can win real money and be able to keep playing so long as you have fun, play it safe when it comes to your bets, and choose a reputable casino that will ensure fairness for their customers.

The IGA protects Australians from the risks that may occur with gambling. Therefore, if you are a casino operator be sure to follow the laws and regulations as required.

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