Features of licensing Australian game providers

Australia is one of the world's biggest slots development hubs, with giants including Aristocrat, Ainsworth, Big Time Gaming, ReelPlay and Lightning Box. Their products are used in land-based clubs, online casinos and international markets. But any development and distribution of games in the country is possible only if a strict licensing and regulation system is observed.

1. Who regulates the market in Australia

There is no single federal licensing authority in Australia - each state and territory has its own commissions:

• NSW Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority - NSW.
• Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR) — Виктория.
• Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR) - Queensland.
• Tasmanian Liquor and Gaming Commission - Tasmania.
• Department of Racing, Gaming and Liquor (DRGL) - Western Australia.

Each authority sets its own technical standards, testing procedures and licensing requirements.

2. Provider Licensing Steps

1. Submission of an application detailing the company, ownership structure and experience.
2. Trustworthiness check - owners and key employees are tested for criminal records and financial risks.
3. Game certification - all slots are tested by accredited laboratories (* GLI, eCOGRA, BMM Testlabs *) for integrity, compliance with the declared RTP and randomness of results.
4. License issuance - permission to operate in a specific state or territory.
5. Constant control - regular audits, mandatory reporting and software updates when standards change.

3. Difference from international standards

Fragmentation: instead of one national license, the provider has to obtain permits in several regions.
Focus on the terrestrial segment: Historically, licensing has focused on gaming clubs and hotels rather than the online market.
Strict hardware requirements: even physical components are regulated for ground-based machines.
World-class recognition: Australian regulators' certifications are highly valued and help other countries get licensed faster.

4. Licensing for online development

Since Australia has restrictions on online casinos, many local providers release their games through international jurisdictions:

• Malta (MGA)
• UK (UKGC)
• Isle of Man
• Gibraltar
• Curacao

This allows content to be legally distributed in countries where online gambling is allowed.

5. Why license is important to the player

Guarantee of honesty - testing and control exclude manipulation of the results.
Transparency of payments - declared RTP is confirmed by laboratories.
Legal protection - the presence of a license gives the player the opportunity to complain to the regulator.

6. Result

Licensing of Australian providers is a multi-level process combining strict government controls, technical expertise and international certification. Such a system ensures that even with restrictions on the Australian online market, its developers remain among the leaders in the global iGaming.