This page sets out how Australian gambling law actually works: what is banned, who it targets, how it is enforced, and what changed in 2026. It exists so the legal claims made across this site rest on the regulator's own record, not on a casino's marketing copy. For PayID-specific deposit, withdrawal and operator checks, see our PayID casino claims and PayID withdrawal pages.
What the law actually bans
The Interactive Gambling Act 2001 makes it illegal for a provider to offer online casino games, such as roulette, blackjack, poker or online pokies, to anyone physically in Australia. Sports betting and racing wagering are treated differently and can be offered legally by an Australian-licensed operator. The offence sits with the provider: penalties run to A$360,000 per day for an individual and A$1.8 million per day for a company. Nothing in the Act makes it an offence for a player to use an offshore casino.
Who the law targets: operators, not players
The Interactive Gambling Act puts the compliance obligation on the operator, not the player. An Australian using an offshore casino is not committing an offence under this Act. No Australian resident has been prosecuted for playing at one.
How ACMA enforces it
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) enforces the Act mainly through ISP-level site blocking. As of 25 June 2026, ACMA has requested blocks on 1,751 illegal gambling and affiliate-marketing websites since the programme began in November 2019, and more than 230 operators have withdrawn from the Australian market since enforcement tightened in 2017. ACMA can request a block and refer a case to the Australian Federal Police. It cannot compel an offshore operator to pay a withheld deposit.
New from August 2026: the Gambling Reform Bill
On 19 August 2026, Parliament passed the Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026. From 1 January 2027 it will restrict gambling advertising across TV, radio and online, introduce a national opt-out register for gambling ads, ban sign-up inducements for a player's first 14 days, ban staff and affiliate commissions tied to customer activity, and give ACMA stronger takedown powers. It does not change the underlying licensing position for offshore online casino games.
If gambling is causing harm
BetStop (betstop.gov.au) lets a player self-exclude from all Australian-licensed wagering services in one step. The National Gambling Helpline (1800 858 858) and Gambling Help Online offer free, confidential support 24 hours a day, every day.
Online casino claims in Australia: legality, payments and evidence FAQ
Can I be fined for using an offshore online casino?
No. The Interactive Gambling Act targets operators, not players. No Australian resident has been prosecuted for playing at an offshore casino under this Act.
What can ACMA actually do about an illegal casino?
ACMA can request that internet service providers block the site and refer the operator for further action. It cannot force an offshore operator to return a withheld deposit or winnings, there is no Australian court or regulator that can compel payment from an unlicensed offshore operator.