The safety of the game depends on the choice of a proven poker room and adherence to the principles of responsible play. Participate in tournaments, cash games and sit-and-go (SNG) if the operator officially accepts players from Australia. If you’re playing online and opt for a Pot or No Limit game, you can make your bets via the software’s interface. You can also set the speed of the games – regular, turbo and super turbo are all available options. Perhaps the coolest thing about playing online poker was there was always that slim possibility you would fight your way through satellites and find your way into something like the World Series of Poker. Free poker apps and sites let you enjoy the game’s strategic depth and excitement without financial risk.
Other Online Poker Sites
Whilst federal, state and territory laws and regulations are often capable of being contravened by directors and other officers of licensees, recent regulatory action has been taken against corporate licensees only. As regulation tightens, it is possible that this will change going forward and that directors and other officers will be actively pursued in relation to alleged breaches of relevant gambling and related laws. 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. The processes are generally quite extensive, and it can sometimes take up to 12 months or longer for state and territory gambling regulators to complete in relation to new applicants seeking major licences.
- If a poker room possesses a legit license from a recognised gaming jurisdiction it can be considered legal.
- They don’t have time to download software or bother on the smaller screens of their smart devices.
- A state or territory licence is typically required to operate a bingo centre in the relevant jurisdiction.
The Chico Poker Network, Winning Poker Network, and Intertops are a few examples of gaming corporations that at first ignored the IGAB but later changed their tune and elected to stop serving Australian users. There was only a single criminal conviction recorded under the terms of the Interactive Gambling Act. In the latter half of 2015, Luke Brabin, a noted Australian poker, started running his own online poker site, called Poker Asia Pacific, which accepted Australian customers. He quite understandably believed that no action would be taken against him given the fact that his international competitors were able to ply their trade unimpeded by the law. However, loose wording and poor definitions mean that clever lawyers retained by leading online gaming sites were able to run circles around the Interactive Gambling Act. The body tasked with investigating violations, the Australian Broadcasting Authority, had to liaise with police forces to proceed with enforcement actions.
Here’s a quick, clear breakdown so you know exactly what’s legal (and what isn’t). First, to prevent Australians from playing on foreign sites, some legislators proposed that Australia pass a law like the UIGEA laws in the United States. In recent years, several developments have made it seem as though the online poker situation in Australia might go through some changes. Though it now appears more likely that the status quo will remain intact for some time to come.
While the current legislation persists, many players will still utilize illegal offshore sites to play online poker. It took 15 years for this to be rectified, as amendments were made in 2016. These changes made it illegal for all online gaming operators (whether based locally or offshore) to provide poker and casino games to Australian players. While playing on offshore poker platforms is popular among Australian players, it is essential for players to understand and comply with their local gambling laws to ensure a safe and legal online poker experience.
Why is online gambling illegal in Australia, but pokies and Crown are legal?
For example, in 2017, a large Australian gambling company paid an AUS $45 million civil penalty to AUSTRAC for the failure to comply with certain requirements under the AML/CTF Act. More recently, a AUS $450 million civil penalty was applied to an operator in the casino sector. Additional litigation involving alleged breaches of the AML/CTF Act is on foot against other casino and betting licensees at the time of writing.
Because there was no licensing regime for internet casino and poker activities anywhere in the country, these forms of wagering were basically banned at least in theory. That’s why they are offered in all shapes and sizes, some completely web-based, others promoting their downloadable software and the ones suitable for mobile devices. The first type seems to appeal to the group of practically oriented people.
What are some alternatives to real-money online poker in Australia?
Corporate Bookmakers are licensed to offer fixed-odds betting on racing, sport and other approved events online and over the telephone. On-course Bookmakers offer substantially the same fixed-odds betting on-course and, subject to approval, also over the telephone and in some instances online. Other than in extreme circumstances as highlighted in recent inquiries and Royal Commissions in the casino sector, the vulnerability of the above licences to revocation or suspension has traditionally been low. Casino licences can typically only be applied for through a competitive tender process run by the relevant state or territory. The same applies in relation to Retail Wagering Licences and also lottery and keno licences.
The online poker sites listed on this page were able to offer a legally sanctioned destination for Australian residents seeking legal real-money online poker options. However, due to this law, offshore poker sites will RockySpin Casino be considered illegal unless they receive a gaming license from Australia as well. Other exceptions to the IGA also include exempting sports betting online, so the popular horse race betting and other sporting event betting continues as an online gambling activity. However, the law also doesn’t prosecute players for online poker or online casino logins. The penalties for online poker activity are directed toward the operators and site hosts instead of the average player. Thus, many Australians still find online poker rooms that accept Australian players and allow them to access real money online poker games.
If games are not entirely skill-based (that is, there is an element of chance), then they will be subject to the relevant gaming laws. Any skill games and competitions with no element of chance are not typically regarded as gambling, but may still fall within certain gaming regimes when operated in a land-based context. Social gaming (as described) is not generally regulated by gambling regulators; however, age classifications and other restrictions apply to such games. Betting on fantasy sports in Australia is offered by some corporate bookmakers licensed in the NT (Corporate Bookmakers). The relevant regulatory bodies are the Northern Territory Racing and Wagering Commission (NTRWC) and Licensing NT.
With the first internet gaming services having only popped www.nsw.gov.au up in the late ’90s, it understandably took a while for Australian law to catch up. The Interactive Gambling Act of 2001 was the first serious attempt to update gambling laws to take account of this new development. Like many first attempts to accomplish something, it failed to achieve its objectives. The purpose of this article is to answer the question, "Is it Illegal to play online poker in Australia?". In any case, the most reliable and proven authorities add to the security of the site with the license they’ve provided to it. Moreover, most sites strive to assure their players, which is why many hire third-party services which test the software, RNG and any other aspect which might be deemed corruptive.