The B2B provider’s systems may, however, be subject to review or approval processes as a condition of the licence granted to the B2C operator that uses their system. The licence application fee for land-based licences depends on the state or territory, and on the gambling activity to which the application relates. As explained at 4.5 Availability of Licences, land-based licences for casinos, lotteries and wagering activities are granted (in the majority of cases) on an exclusive basis; therefore, any fees are usually substantial. Land-based bingo games are treated differently under the laws of each state and territory. Generally, a licence will not be required if the prize is below a threshold established in the applicable legislation. The regulatory approach to skill gaming in Australia varies significantly depending on the state or territory in which the offering is made.

Why Play Free Poker Online in Australia?

Yes, as long as you’re on a reputable platform and follow basic precautions. Poker games come in all sorts of flavors to suit every mood and skill level. The reviews of the casinos above are a good starting point for your journey. Wrapping up my poker site reviews with Wazamba, a platform run by Liernin Enterprises LTD. This one holds the PAGCOR license and award badges from AskGamblers and SBC Awards. With a sign-up pack from Playfina, you can snag up to A$1,540 and 600 spins on slots.

Register and play on international sites with valid licenses (MGA, UKGC, Isle of Man, Curacao, etc.). Let’s delve deeper into what makes it the best place to play poker in Highspin Casino Australia.

Corporate Bookmakers are licensed to offer fixed-odds betting on racing, sport and other approved events online and over the telephone. On-course Bookmakers offer substantially the same fixed-odds betting on-course and, subject to approval, also over the telephone and in some instances online. State and territory lotteries engage in pooling arrangements pursuant to what is known as ‘bloc agreements’, under which jackpots are pooled, making the customer offering more attractive. If games are not entirely skill-based (that is, there is an element of chance), then they will be subject to the relevant gaming laws.

Exceptions and Legal Alternatives for Playing Poker Online in Australia

However, it’s not certain what will happen if you are a player and are discovered to be in breach of this act. While it’s unlikely you’ll be prosecuted, we strongly recommend to abide by this regulation. In this guide, we will walk you through all the laws when it comes to online poker in Australia, helping you to understand exactly how the land lies, and also give you the best social sites to legally play online poker in Australia. For those seeking a broader selection of cryptocurrency-focused platforms, I made a comprehensive list of the best crypto casinos. Along with familiar gambling rewards, this casino lures players with exclusive NFTs.

Where a fee is charged to a player for separate goods or services, this should be clearly explained to the player. The massive game lobbies also offer fans of crash-style and instant-win games a wide range of choices, while jackpot games featuring life-changing rewards are also available. Below, we cover the major game categories you can expect to find at crypto sites. Bitcoin remains the most popular option, but Dogecoin, Litecoin, and Ethereum are closely following.

8 Application Fees

• Understanding the online casino Australia legal status 2025 allows players to choose safer, more transparent platforms.
• There are comprehensive federal, state and territory advertising restrictions that apply to the lawful advertising of gambling services.
• This authoritative body has the power to penalize offending operators and block access to illegal offshore gambling sites, ensuring a safe and thriving ecosystem for online poker enthusiasts in the country.
• Among other things, visitors will find a daily dose of articles with the latest poker news, live reporting from tournaments, exclusive videos, podcasts, reviews and bonuses and so much more.
• For those seeking a broader selection of cryptocurrency-focused platforms, I made a comprehensive list of the best crypto casinos.

The NSW government introduced, with effect from 1 July 2024, a suite of responsible gambling measures aimed at the use of gaming machines in hotels and clubs. In the first quarter of 2025, it conducted consultation on the implementation of facial recognition technology. All states within Australia legally offer live, cash poker games. Poker tournaments with an entry fee and real money prizes, though players pay commission, are legal in Victoria and New South Wales. The ACMA used its new powers to convince the companies that remained to discontinue their services in Australia.

But that’s not ideal either, because if you type in ‘roulette’, for example, more than 100 games will come up, so you’ll still have to scroll through them to find what you’re looking for. During 2025, BetStop was reviewed as part of a statutory consultation process, with a final report from the Minister of Communications expected in early 2026. The review examines the effectiveness of the regulatory framework, the appropriateness of cost recovery levies (which are industry-funded) and whether the current arrangements remain fit for purpose.

Australians who attempt to access the blocked content instead see a “Stop Page” explaining why the site is blocked and containing a link to the ACMA website. The ACMA has achieved quite a bit of success in driving online poker rooms out of the country. The Chico Poker Network, Winning Poker Network, and Intertops are a few examples of gaming corporations that at first ignored the IGAB but later changed their tune and elected to stop serving Australian users. Brabin made the mistake of basing his operations on Australian soil, and he was soon prosecuted by the authorities. He pleaded guilty to one count of “intentionally providing an interactive gambling service to customers in Australia,” and in May 2017, Luke Brabin was convicted and had to pay a fine of $10,000. State and territory laws often also contain a range of offences in relation to unlawful gambling, which can include organising the unlawful event, as well as participating in it.

Australian poker enthusiasts can still access offshore platforms that accept Australian players, although they do so at their own legal risk. Some offshore operators have chosen to continue serving the Australian market while others have ceased accepting Australian players. The Australian government continues to face growing pressure to act on the Report, particularly regarding advertising reform. Despite initial momentum, a proposed compromise in August 2024 failed to gain internal government consensus.

The www.abc.net.au question of whether online poker is legal in Australia is nuanced and multifaceted. With real money poker currently illegal, players have turned to free-to-play platforms to satisfy their gaming cravings. Understanding the legal framework, the available alternatives, and the importance of responsible gaming is crucial for anyone looking to engage with online poker.

This means that the estimated million Pokerstars players with account from Australia can no longer play online poker. It has forced them to look at other sites that specialise in operating in illegal markets. Online poker was made illegal in Australia in 2001, though many players still played on offshore sites and not much was done to crack down on this illegal activity.

There is no prescribed maximum number of licences that can be issued; however, in a practical sense there are limitations in respect of the number of On-course Bookmaker Licences that could be issued. The same applies in relation to any permit required to operate bingo. Retail Wagering is offered by state and territory-based totalisator agency boards (TABs) pursuant to sole licences in the relevant state or territory, thereby providing them with a form of ‘retail exclusivity’. There is co-mingling of state and territory totalisator pools through pooling arrangements, with three Australian totalisator pools currently in existence. Retail operations are typically conducted using authorised agents and licensing distribution arrangements.

Its interface loads quickly, making it ideal for mobile best online casinos players who want smooth sessions. Furthermore, the closure has also made it difficult for players to withdraw their funds from these platforms. Many players were left with balances on these sites and faced hurdles in getting their money back. While some operators offered alternative methods or transferred funds to other platforms, the overall experience was undoubtedly frustrating for many players. Changes have also been made to customer due diligence requirements, with the aim of taking a more targeted and flexible approach.