Online casinos in Australia
Most Australians adore gambling more than any other nation of the world. This is proved by numerous surveys. The gambling rates of the country are incredible since Australia is known for having over 80% of the population participate in some form of gambling. It can be a traditional casino or online gambling platform. As for legislation, it is not that simple and laws of the country primarily restrict web gambling portals thus making visits to real land-based casinos a more affordable entertainment.
Taking this into account it can be challenging to find the best online casino. Therefore, we are here to help you with it. The casino reviews placed on our resource become good guidance for visitors where they can select the proper gambling venue to their liking.
The list of the best Australian online casinos includes the following platforms:
Is it legal to play online casino in Australia?
Australia has become a country that developed gambling legislative base when it introduced the Interactive Gambling Act of 2001 (IGA). The main purpose was the protection of people from the negative effects of online gambling. In accordance with this law it’s not allowed to offer:
- Online gaming products without a license to users in Australia;
- Interactive gambling products to Australian users;
- Australian iGaming products to foreign consumers.
It is also worth noting that it’s forbidden to advertise interactive gambling in the country. Additionally, the law provided the legislative base for the foundation of a system based on complaints that help to regulate online gambling and platforms with such content that can be accessed by Australian users.
The legislation that prohibits playing online games of roulette, blackjack, online poker, and pokies (aka slots) is rather strict. But other gambling activities are not forbidden such as sports betting, auto racing, and one type of online lotteries – instant-win scratch cards. All other types of lotteries are illegal. The penalties for broken rules are harsh enough. The violator of law has to pay out the fine starting from $220,000 a day, while the fine for the company can reach 1,1 million USD a day. There is no need to say that this law changed the gambling sphere in Australia greatly.
Online casinos for users in Australia
Online gambling and the level of its development affects the well-being of the society due to the revenue it brings. Prohibition creates complications as Australians can’t use many gambling services following the regulations. At the same time, IGA doesn’t regard betting at online gambling sites as a crime for an individual. The users are not even fined when they play online poker, for instance, or visit an online casino.
What is legal for casino players in Australia?
Australia with its unique flora and fauna differs greatly from other countries of the world. This is what comes to mind first when people think of the country. However, not so many people know that Australia is one of the most prominent hot spots of land-based casinos and legalized gambling.
The citizens can enjoy their favorite games in land-based casinos of the country and the collection of games is very good at such gambling venues. The guests of casinos can play famous casino games such as poker, blackjack, and others. Many of you have, probably, heard about the Crown Melbourne in Victoria – a famous Australian casino. It has become very popular due to the Aussie Millions poker tournament series conducted there annually.
The majority of territories except for Western Australia allow live gambling in hotels. This type of entertainment is also available in the night clubs in many regions of the country. Also, many lovers of gambling can enjoy sports betting and in-game sports betting that is mostly allowed in Australia.
What types of online gambling are allowed in Australia?
Some kinds of online gambling are only partially allowed in the country. If we mention the forms which are absolutely legal these are:
- Online lottery;
- Betting on auto racing;
- Sports betting.
Other types of online gambling are considered illegal in the country.
Will I face problems if I bet in an Australian online casino?
Despite the fact that AU law doesn’t let its citizens gamble online, the person won’t have any problems for playing online casino games. It can create problems for a casino, but not for a player who visits it.
AU organizations for the regulation of gambling
There is regulation for each area in Australia. Parliament doesn’t issue the law for the gambling sectors. Based on the legal base, the organizations were formed that regulate different aspects of gambling activity.
- ACT Gambling and Racing Commission is in charge of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) that includes Canberra and several surrounding townships.
- Licensing Commission is responsible for the Northern Territory (NT) that includes the central and northern regions of Australia.
- Office of Liquor, Gaming, and Racing develops the regulatory framework for the gambling industry in New South Wales.
- Independent Gambling Authority is an independent commission that is responsible for the integrity of commercial gambling products in South Australia.
- Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation regulates the entertainment and gaming industries in Queensland.
- Tasmanian Gaming Commission – an independent body regulating gaming activities in Tasmania.
- Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation has its sphere of jurisdiction in Victoria.
- Department of Racing, Gaming, and Liquor performing control over the gambling industry in Western Australia.
There is also a special organization that regulates iGaming advertising. The Australian Communications and Media Authority works over it throughout the country. Along with other tasks, one of the responsibilities includes handling complaints and process reports they get from citizens of the country.
Conclusion
As you have understood, the fun of playing in the online casino differs considerably for AU residents. It’s not the way US or EU citizens do. It can be hard to relax for the person when he realizes that he is violating some rule. At the same time, the online casino visitor should understand that he doesn’t risk anything while playing. There is no law prescribing some punishment or fine referring to casino players. So if you love playing nothing is in the way. It will not cause negative consequences so they may feel safe. The only thing the customers should care about is the choice of a trustworthy online casino that delivers secure entertainment.
