Understanding Online Casino Regulation and Laws in Australia
Australia takes a unique approach to gambling because it is governed by a combination of state and federal laws. Understanding the regulations in place will help you gamble safely. Let’s take a look at the laws that govern gambling in Australia!
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Summary of Australia’s Gambling Regulation
In Australia, the federal entities such as the ACMA, establish the basic regulations and guide their enforcement. However, the local jurisdictions are already in control of the licensing of the domestic gambling websites, and no online casino can be operated legally from anywhere in the world.
Interactive Gambling Act of 2001
This Act is the first and foremost that the Australian parliament enacted in 2001. It primarily focuses on the types of online gambling services that can be offered in Australia and empowers the ACMA to be the primary gambling regulator. It also:
- Makes it unlawful for Australian-based gambling operators to engage in any gambling activity without holding a license.
- Establishes obligations for operators to promote and offer gambling services in a manner that is transparent and enables fair conduct and basic standards in payment systems for gambling services, and
- Outlines a regulatory framework for the promotion of gambling services.
Laws Of The States And Territories
The Interactive Gambling Act 2001 doesn’t cover the land-based casinos, betting offices, and other gaming venues like gaming machines, as these are governed by the States and Territories individually as each has their own gaming licenses and regulators.
Australian Players And Online Casinos Based Offshore
Offshore casinos are quite the opposite as they readily provide access to online gambling and accept Australian dollars. Moreover, prosecution of players gambling online has across Australia practically doesn’t occur. Though this doesn’t mean you are gambling without risk.
Risk is present to a degree when gambling offshore as not all sites are reliable, and users are more visible to the consequences of gambling on unregulated platforms wherein players are unreasonably restricted from withdrawals or are merely neglected by the service.
Age And Identity Verification
In Australia, the minimum gambling age is 18, and this is the legal standard. Casinos that are Australian licensed are required to KYC-proof that you are over this age limit. Offshore that is more lightly regulated still often has KYC policies, at least for withdrawals.
As part of KYC verification, we need to confirm your identity, age, and, in some cases, address. Most online casinos require you to upload pictures of your IDs and similar documents. Depending on the platform, you will be able to submit these documents through a designated section in your Profile or by email.