Are online slots legal in Australia: legislation review

1. General Legal Framework

In Australia, gambling is regulated at the federal and state levels. A key document affecting online slots is the Interactive Gambling Act (IGA) 2001, adopted by the Australian government. This law prohibits companies based in the country from offering online casino services (including slots) to Australian gamblers.

2. What is allowed and what is prohibited

Allowed:

• Online sports betting and horse racing through licensed operators.
• Lotteries and some interactive draws.
Prohibited:
• Online casinos, including virtual slots hosted by companies registered in Australia.
• Providing poker games over the Internet domestically.

3. How the ban works

While the IGA prohibits Australian companies from providing online slots domestically, the law does not prohibit players from using the services of foreign licensed operators. As a result, Australians can play "pokis" through international platforms registered in jurisdictions like Curacao, Malta or the UK.

4. State-level regulation

Each state has its own control bodies:
• NSW Liquor & Gaming (NSW)
• Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (Виктория)
• Queensland Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation
• They regulate land-based machines and clubs, but have no direct jurisdiction over international online casinos.

5. Responsibility of operators and players

Operators who break the law risk fines of up to millions of dollars and blocking sites.
Players are not directly criminally liable for participating in the game on foreign platforms, but are required to comply with local tax and financial requirements.

6. Impact of legislation on the market

The restriction of the internal supply of online slots stimulated the development of the terrestrial industry.
Foreign online casinos remain a major source of "pokies" for Australians.
The emergence of additional measures - blocking payments and domains - is gradually complicating access to unlicensed platforms.

7. Prospects for change

In Australia, the possibility of partial legalization of online slots with strict licensing and taxes is periodically discussed, following the example of the UK or Canada (Ontario). However, at the time of writing, the law remains restrictive.

8. Result

Online slots in Australia are formally banned for domestic hosting, but are available through overseas licensed casinos. Players can legally use foreign platforms, and the main task is to choose licensed and verified sites to avoid fraud and ensure fair play.