Gambling is a popular pastime in Australia, and many people are wondering if they can get into trouble for gambling online. The answer is no, as long as you are using a licensed gambling provider. The Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA) is the main law regulating gambling operations in the country, and it does not make it illegal for local citizens to access or use the services provided by online casinos and other gambling venues. However, only licensed gambling providers can legally offer online gambling products in Australia.
Some online gambling products are prohibited, so it is important to check the regulations before you start playing. There are hundreds of offshore casino operators that welcome Australian resident gamblers and offer them a wide range of options when it comes to online gambling. It is not clear whether foreign operators offering online gambling venues are acting entirely within the spirit of the law. The IGA is primarily aimed at protecting Australian residents from the potentially harmful effects of Internet gambling, but there is talk of amending the law to make it more applicable to the evolving online gambling market.
If you gamble online using a company that operates illegally, you run a greater risk of losing your money. Illegal online gambling services are hosted and operated abroad, where regulation may not be as strict in terms of consumer protection. If you believe that prohibited gambling activity is being offered over the internet to people in Australia and you have concerns, wish to make a complaint or want to report such activity, access the ACMA's interactive gambling complaint form. The best deposit methods for local players who want to use the services of online casinos are those that the government recognises as legitimate. Therefore, Australians should look for an overseas-based online casino operator of their choice that allows them to create an account there.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) regulates the online gambling industry and investigates complaints from the public. Gambling and betting policy in Australia has always been the responsibility of the States rather than the Commonwealth. The current Gambling Act 2003 created the current status quo, allowing operators to offer casino and non-casino services.
