Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about online gambling in Australia
General Questions
Is online gambling legal in Australia?
Under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001, online casino games and poker are not permitted to be offered to Australian residents. However, sports betting and lottery games through licensed operators are legal. Many Australians access offshore gambling sites, though this exists in a legal grey area.
How do I know if an online casino is safe for Australians?
Look for casinos with reputable licenses (even if international), strong encryption, positive player reviews, fair game testing certificates, and transparent terms. Our reviews highlight casinos that maintain high security standards and fair practices for Australian players.
What payment methods are available to Australian players?
Australian players typically have access to credit/debit cards, bank transfers, e-wallets like PayPal (where available), Neosurf, POLi, and increasingly cryptocurrencies. Note that some Australian banks may block transactions to gambling sites, so alternative payment methods are often preferred.
Bonuses and Promotions
What types of bonuses can Australian players claim?
Australian players can typically access welcome bonuses, free spins, reload bonuses, and loyalty programs. However, bonus terms for Australians may differ from those offered to players from other countries, often with specific terms and conditions.
What are wagering requirements?
Wagering requirements specify how many times you must bet your bonus amount before withdrawing winnings. For example, a 30x requirement on a $100 bonus means you need to place $3,000 in bets before withdrawal. Australian-friendly casinos typically have wagering requirements between 20x and 50x.
Games and Software
What are pokies and how do they work?
“Pokies” is the Australian term for slot machines. They operate using Random Number Generators (RNGs) to ensure fair outcomes. Modern online pokies feature various themes, bonus rounds, and progressive jackpots. Australian players typically enjoy games from providers like Aristocrat, Big Time Gaming, and Ainsworth.
Can I play in Australian dollars (AUD)?
Many offshore casinos accept Australian dollars, allowing you to avoid currency conversion fees. Our reviews specify which casinos offer AUD as a currency option, making it easier for Australian players to manage their bankrolls.
Responsible Gambling
What responsible gambling tools are available?
Reputable online casinos offer deposit limits, time-out periods, self-exclusion options, and reality checks. Australian players can also access resources like Gambling Help Online, which provides 24/7 support via phone (1800 858 858) or online chat for those experiencing gambling-related issues.
How can I set limits on my gambling?
Most online casinos allow you to set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits through your account settings. You can also set session time limits, take cooling-off periods, or self-exclude completely. We recommend setting these limits before you start playing.
Technical Support
What should I do if I have a dispute with an online casino?
First, contact the casino’s customer support team to resolve the issue. If unsatisfied, check if the casino has an independent dispute resolution service. As Australian consumer protections may not fully extend to offshore gambling sites, we recommend playing at casinos with strong reputations and transparent policies.
Have more questions? Contact our team and we’ll be happy to assist you with any inquiries about online gambling in Australia.