Check out these related topics
FAQ For Australian Gamblers
We know that many players have questions about online gambling in Australia. Given the various laws and regulations that exist today, as well as the sheer number of internet gambling websites out there, it can be hard to keep track of all of the rules and possibilities available to Australian players. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Australian online gambling!
Legal Questions
Is Online Gambling Legal in Australia?
Yes, online gambling is legal in Australia - at least for Aussie players. While businesses in Australia are not permitted to offer most forms of gambling online, it is legal for Australians themselves to play on betting sites hosted overseas.
Who Regulates Online Gambling Sites?
When it comes to the many foreign-operated online gaming sites that we recommend, they are regulated by the jurisdictions they are located in, such as Alderney, Gibraltar, and the Isle of Man. When it comes to websites (such as sports betting sites) that are operated inside of Australia, regulation comes both from individual regulatory bodies in each state, as well as a national regulatory body that was established in the National Gambling Reform Act 2012.
What Laws Relate to Australian Online Gambling?
The most important law related to Australian online gambling is the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. This law made it an offense to provide gambling online to customers located in Oz, but did not make it illegal for individuals to gamble online at foreign-based sites. That law also allowed for fully legal and regulated online sports betting in Australia. While the 2012 gambling reforms did not impact online gambling in any significant way, there has been talk of allowing trials of regulated online poker or casino games in the future.
Do You Have to Pay Taxes on Your Gambling Winnings?
In all cases, the answer to this question should be no - you should not owe any taxes on your gambling winnings. While the law may require taxes to be paid if your internet gambling is operated like a business, it appears that even well-known poker professionals in Australia haven't had to pay taxes on their winnings in most cases, meaning all online gamblers in Australia should be free from any tax burdens.
What Age Do I Have to be to Play Online Gambling?
At foreign sites, the exact rules for when you'll be able to play will be determined by each jurisdiction or site, though 18 is the most common minimum age for internet gambling. At regulated sports betting websites in Australia, 18 is the minimum age to play.
Banking Questions
Can I Gamble Online in AUD?
Yes, many sites will allow you gamble in AU$ to various extents. At many of our top-rated Aussie gambling websites, players can carry their account balances in AU$ even if the currency used at the tables themselves is expressed in American dollars or Euros. Still other sites even allow AU$ in casino or poker games, making it easier to keep track of your balances. Australian regulated online sports betting sites - as you'd expect - always allow for the use of Australian dollars when placing bets.
What Banking Methods Can I Use to Make a Deposit?
There are a wide variety of methods available for Australian online gamblers who want to make deposits at internet gaming sites. For instance, players can use credit or debit cards, especially those that have Visa or MasterCard logos on them. A variety of e-wallet solutions, such as Neteller and Skrill, are also common. Direct bank wires are also possible, and prepaid options - such as the Ukash voucher program - are popular among Aussies who don't have (or want to use) electronic financial instruments.
There are also regional payment methods that are unique to Australia. In particular, a program known as POLi allows those with accounts at major Australian or New Zealand banks to make internet gambling payments through their online banking interfaces. If your bank participates in this program, you'll be able to make deposits directly from your bank account using the same interface you use to pay your bills.
Are My Online Transactions Safe?
Yes, your online transactions at online gambling sites are fully secure. Online casinos use the same encryption standards as major banks around the world, meaning that your personal information and financial transactions are protected at all times.
How Do I Get My Welcome Bonus?
In most cases, you'll receive your welcome bonus after making your first deposit at a gambling site. If you need to use a special code in order to receive your bonus, we will let you know which code to use when you sign up or make that first deposit. Depending on the type of bonus you receive, it may appear in your account right away, or you may slowly earn the bonus through your play on the website.
Do I Have to Play for Real Money?
There is no requirement to gamble for real money at most Aus online gambling sites, as they offer both real money and play money options. Of course, you can usually only win cash prizes by playing for real money, and some games may not be available in play money mode.
How Do I Cash Out My Winnings?
Winnings can be cashed out from gambling websites using most of the same methods used to deposit money. For instance, you can take your winnings by a direct bank transfer, through the use of an e-wallet site, or sometimes through POLi or via a Ukash voucher. You may also receive a cheque by mail from the site.
Game Play Questions
Do I Need to Download Software to Play?
While software downloads are offered by many sites, they are usually not required in order to enjoy online gambling in Australia. Players can also reach most internet betting website by using the "instant play" version of their software, which can be accessed by most web browsers.
Can I Play On My Mobile or Tablet?
Mobile casino gaming is an increasingly popular way to enjoy gambling online, and most sites support mobile phones and tablet devices. Depending on your device and the site you are playing on, you may be able to connect through your web browser to their mobile-ready site, or you may be able to download an app through which you can access their games.
Can I Use a Mac to Play the Same Games as PC Players?
Yes, Mac users can access the same real money games as PC players. The easiest way to do so is through instant play sites, which are accessible by players regardless of the operating system their computers are running. In addition, Mac users can also install Windows through the Boot Camp function, allowing them to use Windows programs such as downloadable casino and poker software as well.
Are Online Gambling Sites Safe?
All of our recommended online gambling sites for Australians are fully regulated to ensure that they provide safe, fair play for all participants. They also use state-of-the-art encryption protocols to ensure that your personal information is secure at all times, and that all of your financial transactions with each site will be protected from hackers and identity thieves.
Do I Need a High Speed Connection to Play?
A high-speed internet connection is not required to gamble online. However, high-speed internet access is preferable for live dealer games, which require your computer to stream live video, or games that are time sensitive, such as online poker.