Australia’s Role in Global iGaming Regulation: HowIt Compares to Other Countries

4 min read

Australia has developed an innovative approach to gambling. It takes into account consumer protection in accordance with licensing regulations. The country's gambling law defines a specific list of online casinos recommended by CasinoCapo, which are reliable and safe for local gambling fans. Trusted sites must operate in accordance with established standards. Only in this way can players count on the safety of their personal data.

Australia’s iGaming Regulatory Framework

The gambling industry in Australia is licensed. It is regulated under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. It prohibits offering services to Australian residents. However, licensed sports betting and lotteries are permitted. The administration is carried out by the Australian Communications and Media Authority. The organization actively investigates and blocks illegal gambling sites. 

 

In the first quarter of 2025, ACMA received more than 350 complaints about illegal activity. In addition, fraudulent cases and warnings to unscrupulous operators were identified. The organization works and identifies any facts of violations of legislative bodies.

 

Australia has a strict ban on interactive gambling services. All restrictive measures are aimed at blocking and monitoring any suspicious activity. In the future, the government plans to relax the restriction and allow the operation of offshore licensed online casinos. 

 

How Australia Compares to Other Countries

Gambling regulation in Australia differs from other countries. The table below shows the different countries:

 

Country

Regulatory Authority

Licensing Model

Restrictions

Australia

Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA)

Strict ban on online casinos, licensed sports betting

Offshore casinos banned, websites blocked

United Kingdom

UK Gambling Commission

Comprehensive licensing for online casinos and sportsbooks

Strict responsible gaming policies, advertising regulation

USA

State level regulators (e.g. Nevada Gambling Control Board)

State-level licensing, various online gambling laws

Federal restrictions on interstate online gambling

Malta

Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)

Centralized licensing for online casinos and sportsbooks

Strong AML measures and responsible gaming

Canada

Provincial regulators (e.g. Ontario iGaming)

Provincial licensing, growing acceptance of online casinos

Some provinces restrict offshore operators

 

Australia has one of the strictest regulatory frameworks in the world, but it is aimed at fully protecting local players and guaranteeing a high level of privacy.

 

Challenges in Australian iGaming Regulation

All gambling regulations are fully compliant with the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. Despite these measures, the following key phenomena of the modern market should be noted:

  • The growth of offshore operators. In 2025, many cases of gambling on offshore sites were recorded. This reduces the level of security and also leads to the development of bad habits among players.
  • Compliance with the rules. Offshore operators attract local players. Because of this, it is more difficult for ACMA to track violations. In addition, tracking cryptocurrency transactions in casinos is almost impossible.
  • Consumer protection. In Australia, more than $25 billion is spent annually to combat gambling addiction. Measures are also being taken to tighten the rules for advertising casinos and gambling establishments.

 

Potential reforms are aimed at strict regulation of the online casino market. The Australian government plans to expand cooperation with international regulators. This approach will help strengthen the market and reduce violations of local laws.

 

Future Trends in Australian iGaming Policy

Despite the restrictions, the gambling market in Australia is thriving. New technological solutions are being introduced. For example, in August 2024, the Australian government banned the use of credit cards for gambling. This helps to optimize financial risks and strengthen control over the market. In addition, the government is striving to create a stricter policy.

 

Interactive and mobile games are increasingly occupying a larger position in the market. The first regulated virtual reality casinos are expected to appear soon.

To summarize, gambling is strictly controlled in Australia. Compliance with the rules is monitored by authorized games. This approach allows for increased player responsibility and improved quality of services provided to customers. 

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