The Interactive Gambling Act 2001 makes it illegal for gambling providers to offer some online services to people in Australia. Banned services include:
- online casinos
- in-play sports betting
- sports betting services which do not hold an Australian licence
- betting on the outcome of a lottery
Banned services must not be advertised in Australia. They also must not promote or offer credit for online betting.
If you believe someone has broken a rule in the Interactive Gambling Act, you can make a complaint.
Changes to the Act in 2019
The law changed in 2019 to allow us to bring in the National Self-Exclusion Register.
Changes to the Act in 2017
The law changed in 2017 to combat groups from outside Australia that provide illegal gambling services over the internet.
Following the reforms in the Interactive Gambling Amendment Act 2017:
- We publish a register of Australian-licensed interactive wagering service providers.
- Some operators are not allowed to offer or enable lines of credit to Australians.
- We have new tools to make people follow the rules.
- We can refer the directors and principals of offending companies to the Australian Border Force.
Since the reforms:
- Over 180 online gambling services have withdrawn from the Australian market
- Reports show that the amount of money people lost on gambling services based outside Australia has reduced
An industry code supports the Act. It sets out how internet service providers can follow the rules.
BetStop – the National Self-Exclusion RegisterTM
BetStop - the National Self-Exclusion RegisterTM lets you exclude yourself from all Australian licensed online and phone wagering services in a single step. The government introduced the register under the National Consumer Protection Framework.
You can find out more and register at betstop.gov.au.
Free, professional and confidential support is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. You can contact the National Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858 or visit Gambling Help Online for helpful resources and free 24/7 chat and email counselling and support.
External legislation and studies
Documents that explain the change and the review into illegal betting services.