Gambling Laws and Regulations Report 2026 Australia

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. This is a departure from the previous ‘point of supply’ regime, under which states and territories derived no betting tax revenue from Corporate Bookmakers and other licensed betting operators taking bets online in the relevant jurisdiction. In addition, that licensee currently pays the state a tax of 21.25% of its gross gaming revenue from table games and 31.57% of its gross gaming revenue from gaming machines in respect of regular players, together with a 1% community benefit levy. 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. 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.
This can be contrasted to the expansion of cashless gaming in Australia for poker machines in response to the identification of concerns related to AML and CTF. Until that time, the potential use of digital currencies had been under consideration in the NT. In addition, a number of Corporate Bookmakers have recently been required by AUSTRAC to appoint independent auditors to assess their AML/CTF compliance, with one subsequently entering into an enforceable undertaking with AUSTRAC. Failure to comply with the AML/CTF Act, including by not maintaining a compliant AML/CTF Program, and not filing TTRs and/or SMRs (or filing them late), can result in large civil penalties and possible criminal exposure. All gambling-related licences issued by a state or territory are subject to strict requirements relating to responsible gambling and harm minimisation.
Treasury Brisbane stands as Brisbane’s crown jewel in casino gaming, offering a remarkable blend of historic elegance and modern entertainment options. Understanding Queensland’s gambling regulations is essential for anyone looking to enjoy casino gaming in the state. Concerns have been raised about the potential impact on employees should the company enter voluntary administration. Recent headlines indicate that Star’s partners in the Queen’s Wharf development—Chow Tai Fook Enterprises and Far East Consortium—have offered to buy out its share of the project. The company employs approximately 9,000 people across these states, including 3,000 in Brisbane alone, making its stability crucial to the local economy. Star is currently seeking a financial lifeline to stave off potential collapse after becoming embroiled in scandals involving criminal infiltration and money laundering across its Queensland and New South Wales properties. Star Entertainment Group serves as the primary operator of casino gaming in Brisbane, managing Treasury Brisbane as well as properties on the Gold Coast and in Sydney.
Social gaming (as described) is not generally regulated by gambling regulators; however, age classifications and other restrictions apply to such games. Bingo in land-based venues is regulated by the state and territory gambling regulators detailed below. Online bingo is regulated by the state and territory gambling regulators detailed below. Online casino gaming is prohibited in Australia under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (Cth) (Interactive Gambling Act). Casino gaming (including slots and casino table games such as roulette & blackjack) Yes, Queensland players can legally access international online pokies through overseas-licensed platforms.
It’s important to note that licensed online casinos must adhere to strict rules and regulations set by their country of jurisdiction, including adhering to minimum gambling age requirements. 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. In a land-based context, the Victorian regulator has been particularly active in targeting underage gambling in pubs and clubs in particular – a practice that is illegal in all Australian jurisdictions. Despite these efforts, it is understood that Australians continue to transact in high volumes with offshore licensed and unlicensed gambling operators using virtual private networks and similar technologies.
Casinos are generally subject to periodic Licence reviews (often every five years). Gaming machine permits/licences have typically been perpetual in Australia, other than in certain states such as Vic, which operate for 20 years from August 2022 onwards. In the case of lotteries, aside from Tas (which operates under renewable five-year permits linked to Victorian and Queensland licences) and WA (where lotteries are owned and operated by the state), the expiry dates are generally shorter than in relation to Retail Wagering; however, they still range between 2024 and 2072. The duration of major operator licences depends upon the legislative framework in the relevant state or territory and is subject to possible change upon a licence renewal or new licence being issued. 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. 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.
Australian and Commonwealth online gaming regulations focus primarily on casino operators rather than players, offering protection for consumers who choose licensed platforms. It was legalised by the Commonwealth Interactive Gambling Act of 2001, and Queensland does not have specific laws for or against online gambling. Bruce Mathieson, who operates the Australian Liquor and Hospitality group with Woolworths, holds about a 10% share in Star and has expressed interest in potentially acquiring the Gold Coast casino should opportunities arise.
While the original wording of the IGA banned online casino operators from operating within our borders or from advertising services to Australian players, the laws were filled will all kinds of loopholes that allowed offshore casino sites to continue to service the Australian market. While retail casinos are legal in Australia and regulated, online casinos are a different story, with the updated Interactive Gambling Act officially outlawing them. While there is a want to keep gambling as an enjoyable and clean form of entertainment, there is always the potential for illicit and dangerous betting, so governmental laws are enforced in order to attempt to restrain the negative side-effects of this activity.
Brisbane casino gaming centers around Treasury Brisbane, a heritage-listed complex that spans two beautifully restored historic buildings in the heart of the city. Games like roulette, blackjack and poker are thoroughly enjoyable, and when cash is on the line, it often makes it all that more exciting. Australia is consistent with it’s laws and rules relating to activities and actions considered to be adult-based, such as drinking alcohol, gambling, voting and being prosecuted by the law – actions which are widely accepted to have the need to be regulated based on age. In Britain, the age limit is also set at 18, although exceptions do exist for national lotteries and scratch-cards, where those who are 16 or older can partake in such betting. With how many casinos in brisbane foreign casinos choosing to continue to service the Australian market, there are still choices available to Aussie residents who want to play online, with the risk completely on the operator. The technicality here is there is nothing in the IGA amendments that punishes Australian players who continue to frequent offshore casino sites.