Each of Australia’s eight mainland states and territories separately regulates gambling activities within each of their respective jurisdictions. Any skill games and competitions with no element of chance are not typically regarded as gambling, but may still fall within certain gaming regimes when operated in a land-based context. Any skill games and competitions with no element of chance are not typically regarded as gambling, but may fall within certain ‘interactive gaming’ regimes when operated online and be regulated by state and territory gambling regulators. Such sweepstakes games can be differentiated from ‘trade promotion lotteries’ which are common in the jurisdiction. Poker is typically played within casinos and is regulated as a table game by the state and territory gambling regulators detailed below. Find information on upcoming VGCCC hearings, including gaming machine applications, disciplinary actions, and casino exclusion appeals. Only a consumer-facing gaming licence—searchable on the authority’s register—confers the regulatory framework that governs fairness, complaints, and player-fund handling.
When support struggles to resolve an issue, follow the framework’s dispute path. White-label arrangements can be legitimate, but they add a layer. If a site displays a regulator logo without a traceable entry on the authority’s register, assume the worst until proven otherwise. Strong authorities typically publish plain-language guidance, enforcement actions, and up-to-date registers showing status changes—active, suspended, surrendered. The regulator writes the rulebook, but each operator decides how to execute within that framework. In many implementations, player-fund handling is governed by conditions—sometimes requiring segregated accounts or safeguarding statements—though approaches vary by jurisdiction. Some cover remote casino only; others exclude sports or specific game types. Names must align exactly; trading names can differ, but the underlying company should be identical.
Under the AML/CTF Act, certain gambling activities are classified as ‘designated services’ and, as such, reporting entities are required, among other things, to register with AUSTRAC, develop and maintain a compliant AML/CTF Program and report certain transactions to AUSTRAC, including by way of TTRs and SMRs. The NSER, which operates under the name ‘BetStop’, commenced operations in August 2023. Retail Wagering Operators, Corporate Bookmakers and On-course Bookmakers are also required to pay race field fees/product fees to racing controlling bodies and sports controlling bodies, respectively, in relation to bets taken on their product. In the NT, Corporate Bookmakers (and betting exchange operators) are required to pay a sports bookmaking tax on all net revenue and also a Racing and Wagering Levy which, among things, is applied to gambling harm reduction measures. In addition to the compulsory responsible gambling messages and warnings, it is an offence to advertise an inducement to open a betting account or to refer another person to open a betting account and, in some jurisdictions, to gamble or to gamble more frequently.
Compliance Reporting Deadline — Q1 2026
This is a departure from the previous ‘point of supply’ regime, under which states and territories derived no betting tax revenue from Corporate Bookmakers lmct plus pokies and other licensed betting operators taking bets online in the relevant jurisdiction. The state and/or territory taxes that apply to gambling products depend upon the relevant licence under which the product is being offered, the type of product and also the jurisdiction in which the product is offered. Separately, the CCA imposes penalties for, amongst other things, misleading and deceptive conduct (including through advertising). 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. With the exception of virtual/simulated racing (which is generally only offered in retail venues including hotels and clubs), this betting is generally offered at racecourses, retail venues, online and by telephone. The Victorian regulator subsequently announced in March 2024 that it was satisfied that Crown Melbourne was suitable to operate the casino and that it was in the public interest for the casino licence to remain in force. An application for a Corporate Bookmaker Licence issued in the NT, or an application for an On-course Bookmaker Licence, typically takes between three and six months for approval and can be made at any time. The number of licences available are limited and there are typically only one per state and territory (except in the case of current casino licences held in each of Qld, NT and NSW, the two recently issued Vic keno licences, and potentially for new wagering licences) and the processes are very infrequent.
Are White-label Casinos Properly Covered By A Licence?
The ACMA has a range of enforcement tools available to it which include directing internet service providers to block sites which are deemed to be operating in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act. Separately, SkyCity Group (SA) was ordered by the Federal Court to pay a $67 million penalty in June 2024, after AUSTRAC launched civil penalty proceedings against it for breaches of the AML/CTF legislation. The Star’s Sydney, NSW casino licence has been suspended and a manager has been appointed to oversee operations while the suspension is in force and reforms to achieve suitability can be assessed. This has included action taken by AUSTRAC in relation to casino licensees in Vic, NSW, Qld, WA and also SA examining money laundering issues (including those concerning ‘junket operators’). The ACMA has also been particularly active in relation to enforcement action in connection with spam legislation where infringements by a number of wagering operators have been identified. Enforcement action by the ACMA is also likely to continue following the implementation of various legislative changes, including in relation to illegal gambling sites and following the recent commencement of the NSER.
There is no single overarching statute regulating gambling activities in Australia, nor is there a single overarching gambling authority. 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. The ACMA has commented that social casinos are an example of the ongoing convergence of gaming and gambling activities and should be monitored. Betting on fantasy sports in Australia is offered by some corporate bookmakers licensed in the NT (Corporate Bookmakers). In addition to casinos, poker is also played in hotels and clubs without generally being regulated in the same manner as a traditional casino table poker game, provided no third party (i.e. the venue owner/operator or tournament organiser) gains a percentage or share of any amount gambled. If a site relies on logos or vague wording without a traceable entry, assume it lacks the required authorisation. Many white-label sites operate under a platform provider’s licence.
Bingo is often regarded as minor gaming and may be conducted for fundraising or charitable purposes, typically by a community or other not-for-profit organisation. Corporate Bookmakers typically also offer ‘totalisator-derivative’ or ‘tote odds’ type betting. Corporate Bookmakers offer fixed-odds betting online and over the telephone on sport, racing and other approved events, whereas On-course Bookmakers offer fixed-odds betting on-course and, subject to approval, also over the telephone and in some instances online on similar events as a Corporate Bookmaker. Corporate Bookmakers are commonly licensed in the NT, whereas On-course Bookmakers (which may have online operations) are licensed in the relevant state or territory. There are also various subordinate legislative instruments, including regulations, which have not been included. There are many pieces of legislation that are incidental to gambling activity (for example, legislation setting the applicable gambling tax rates). For completeness, the authors note that the list of gambling- related legislation below is not an exhaustive list.
The firm’s clients range from start-ups to publicly listed global operators, both nationally and internationally. He supports both domestic and international organisations in navigating complex regulatory frameworks and establishing compliance-driven cultures. Prior to that, he was a lawyer in the Corporate team at Herbert Smith Freehills, advising highly regulated clients across a range of corporate, regulatory and commercial matters. Prior to this, he worked in the M&A team at King & Wood Mallesons and held several senior positions at major law firms across Australia and Europe, predominantly advising highly regulated clients, including those in the gambling sector. There has been significant growth in this area with various business models implemented (including ‘membership-style’ businesses) which have been investigated by regulatory authorities and are the subject of litigation in the SA.
This network provides the firm with insights that inform better regulatory, corporate and commercial outcomes tailored to its clients' needs and expectations. This breadth of experience gives Senet a unique commercial and regulatory perspective, and a clear understanding of the pressures faced by its clients. Known for his calm approach, attention to detail and strength in legal research, he brings a forward-thinking mindset to help clients respond to evolving regulatory challenges. Prior to joining Senet, Alexander was part of the Solicitors Assisting the Royal Commission into the Management of Police Informants (Lawyer X), where he worked under intense pressure on a range of intricate legal and procedural issues. His strategic insight and depth of legal knowledge contribute to delivering clear, effective solutions to clients operating in highly regulated environments. At Tabcorp, she served as Deputy General Counsel – Wagering and Media, advising on major strategic initiatives including the integration of two ASX-listed entities, regulatory investigations and responsible gambling programs. The authors also anticipate reforms in the area of ‘trade promotion lotteries’ which are a form of free-entry permissible lottery conducted for the purpose of promoting a business or trade.
Casino licences can typically only be applied for through a competitive tender process run by the relevant state or territory. Any applicant for a licence is generally required to undergo a probity assessment to determine whether such applicant is ‘fit and proper’ to be granted a licence. Corporate Bookmakers offer online and telephone fixed-odds betting on racing, sports and other approved events and totalisator derivative betting on racing. There is co-mingling of state and territory totalisator pools through pooling arrangements, with three Australian totalisator pools currently in existence. Each state and territory has a relevant Casino Control Act (or similar legislation) under which casino licences have been issued. Gaming machine and other equipment manufacturers, software developers and technical services suppliers selling products and/or services used for gambling-related activities are also required to hold a relevant licence. Similarly, a skill game with no element of chance is also not considered gambling and does not require any licence, unless it is operated online and falls within certain ‘interactive gaming’ regimes regulated by state and territory gambling regulators.
Scroll to the casino’s footer and match the legal entity and licence reference to the public register maintained by the authority (most regulators keep a searchable database). Expand the casino card, check the operating company, and note the licence number where shown. Start with the licensing authority most relevant to where you play. Frameworks typically cover identity checks, game testing, anti-money-laundering controls, and safer-gambling tools. Pick a licence and you’ll see operators that state they trade under that framework, ready to compare by device performance, payment options, and market focus.
