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Publication date: 17 November 2025
What is a Gambling License in Australia?
An Australian gambling license is a permit issued by the authorities of an individual state or territory that legalizes the operator’s activity in the field of gambling within a specific region of Australia. By obtaining such a license, companies (most commonly bookmakers) gain the right to offer their services to one of the world’s audiences with the highest level of gambling penetration. The regulatory foundation is set by the federal Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA), which establishes general frameworks while delegating specific rules and licensing issuance to the states.
The Australian gambling market is a complex mosaic made up of eight independent jurisdictions each with its own unique regulations. In this 3S.INFO article, we will thoroughly examine how to obtain a gambling license in Australia: what types of permits exist in key states, how much the process costs, what are the main requirements for operators, and how the tax system works. This guide will help you navigate one of the most mature and competitive markets globally.
This content serves informational purposes only. We do not endorse violations of local laws or service policies. Please familiarize yourself with local regulations and comply accordingly!
What Law Regulates Australian Gambling in 2025?
The primary federal legislative act governing online gambling in Australia is the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA). Its core purpose is to protect Australian citizens by prohibiting foreign operators from providing interactive gambling services without a license and banning advertising of unlicensed services. However, the IGA does not directly regulate the licensing process itself since this responsibility falls under the jurisdiction of individual states and territories. Therefore, an online casino license in Australia can be obtained at the state level, and operators must comply both with the federal IGA and the legislation of the respective territory, such as the Casino Control Act 1992 in New South Wales or the Gambling Regulation Act 2003 in Victoria.
One of the most significant restrictions established by the federal Interactive Gambling Act 2001 is the complete ban on offering online casino services (slots, roulette, blackjack) to players located in Australia. This ban applies equally to both foreign and locally licensed operators. Legally operating betting companies in Australia may provide only sports bets and horse racing wagers. Consequently, any websites actively promoting online slots and table games to the Australian audience operate either in a gray area or illegally.
We have detailed the real picture of how illegal operators circumvent this ban and the risks it poses to players in our comprehensive analysis available on 3S.INFO: Australia iGaming Overview: Laws and Practices for Affiliates.
Who Issues and Oversees Gambling Licenses in Australia?
In Australia, there isn’t a single national regulator like Germany’s GGL. Licensing and oversight responsibilities are distributed among regulators of different states and territories. Key bodies for the online segment include:
- New South Wales: Liquor & Gaming NSW.
- Victoria: Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC).
- Queensland: Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR).
These bodies receive applications, issue licenses, and oversee operators within their respective regions. Obtaining a license in one state does not grant permission to operate in another.
What Types of Gambling Licenses Exist in Australia?
The licensing system varies across states, but the most sought-after licenses are those for sports betting and pari-mutuel wagering. Online casinos in the traditional sense (slots, table games) are virtually unavailable for foreign operators.
| Type of License | What It Allows | Key Features and Restrictions |
| Sports Betting License (Wagering License) | Accepting bets on sports events, horse racing, and other races. | Requires separate licensure in every state. Mandatory collaboration with local sweepstakes. |
| Bookmaker License | Taking bets on sports and horse racing. | Often requires having physical betting shops (in some states). |
| Interactive Wagering License | Receiving bets via digital channels. | Limited number of licenses granted; associated with high fees and taxes. |
| Casino License | Under certain exceptions governed by state laws, may apply to online platforms for resident users. | Monopoly or oligopoly exists in each state. New entry for foreign operators is nearly impossible. |
Point of Consumption Tax in Australia
The primary financial instrument used for regulation became the Point of Consumption Tax (POCT). This is a tax paid by the operator into the budget of the state where the player physically resides when placing a bet. Rates range from 10% to 20% of GGR. This measure was introduced to end the practice where operators registered in low-tax states served players nationwide. POCT forced all major players to legalize themselves in each state they operated in, significantly increasing market transparency and tax revenues.
Cost and Fees for a Gambling License in Australia (2025)
Costs vary considerably depending on the state and type of license.
| Payment Type | Amount | Conditions and Notes |
| Registration Fee | 5,000 – 20,000 AUD | Depends on the state and type of license; non-refundable. |
| Annual License Fee | 10,000 – 100,000+ AUD | May be fixed or calculated based on turnover. |
| Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) Tax | 10% – 20% | Varies greatly between states; e.g., approximately 15% in Victoria. |
| Point of Consumption Tax (POCT) | 10% – 20% of GGR | Additional tax levied on revenue generated from players in a particular state. |
Requirements for Operators to Obtain an Australian License
| Categories of Requirements | Specific Conditions |
| Legal Status | The company must be registered in Australia and appoint a local representative. |
| Business Reputation | Thorough background checks on beneficial owners, directors, and shareholders are mandatory. A clean record with no criminal ties is required. |
| Financial Stability | Proof of significant capital and legal sources of funding must be provided. |
| Technical Requirements | Gaming software and RNG (Random Number Generator) must be certified to strict standards, with data protection complying with local laws. |
| Player Protection | Implementation of strict verification procedures, self-exclusion tools (deposit limits, time-outs), and responsible gambling programs is required. |
| Commercial Requirements | To obtain a sports betting license (especially for horse racing), the operator must sign a commercial agreement with the state’s authorized pari-mutuel betting operator (e.g., Tabcorp). This provides access to their product and liquidity pools but significantly increases operational costs. |
Mandatory verification and behavior monitoring processes are enforced. Credit card usage for depositing funds into gaming accounts is prohibited. This restriction, combined with overall stringent regulation, has driven increased popularity of alternative payment methods, including various e-wallet solutions and cryptocurrencies, particularly among unauthorized operators.
How to Identify a Legal Operator with an Australian Gambling License and Risks Associated with Unauthorized Platforms
For players, the crucial task is selecting a legal platform that ensures the protection of rights and assets. Australian regulation creates clear markers enabling differentiation between legal and illegal operators.
Markers of a Legal Operator in Australia
- Verified License: Possession of a valid license from one of the states (e.g., NSW, VIC, QLD) with the license number clearly displayed on the website.
- Local Payment Methods: Use of popular payment options in the country, such as POLi, PayID, cards from Australian banks, and direct transfers.
- Safety Tools: Mandatory inclusion of responsible gaming tools like deposit limits, time-outs, and self-exclusion mechanisms.
- Fair Advertising: Promotional offers and bonuses align with local standards; terms are transparent and clear.
Signs of Illegal Platforms and Associated Risks
Illegal sites often exhibit the following characteristics in an attempt to bypass regulations, which simultaneously pose risks to players:
- Cryptocurrency as the Primary Payment Method: This is the main way to avoid banking restrictions.
Risk: Impossible to dispute payments, high volatility, anonymity working against the player in case of disputes. - Absence of Player Protection Tools: No built-in deposit limits or self-exclusion features.
Risk: Players lack government-protected mechanisms against gambling addiction and uncontrolled spending. - Risk of Fund Loss and Non-Payment.
Risk: High probability of account blocking and refusal to pay out winnings under false pretenses. In case of disputes, players cannot seek assistance from Australian regulators. - Unreliable Bonuses and Intentionally Complex Verification Process: Bonus conditions are often unrealistic (high wagering requirements), and identity verification is deliberately delayed to block withdrawals.
Risk: Bonuses become meaningless, and withdrawal of winnings becomes practically impossible.
The presence of cryptocurrency as the primary payment method and absence of an Australian license are serious reasons to question the legality of an operator and avoid using its services.
How to Get a Gambling License in Australia: A Step-by-Step Guide
The process of acquiring a license in Australia is complex and lengthy.
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Brief Checklist of Key Licensing Requirements:
- Legal Status: Company is registered in Australia; a local representative is appointed.
- Reputation: All beneficial owners and management personnel have passed reliability checks.
- Finances: Financial stability and legitimacy of capital are confirmed.
- Technology: Software has all necessary certifications.
- Player Protection: Systems for verification, limits, and self-regulation are implemented and functioning.
What Are the Consequences of Operating Without a Gambling License?
State regulators possess broad supervisory powers, including scheduled and unscheduled inspections, requests for any documentation, and access to systems. Violations result in heavy fines, potentially leading to license revocation. At the federal level, ACMA actively combats illegal operators by blocking their websites and imposing severe administrative and criminal penalties.
At the federal level, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is responsible for combating unlicensed operators. The regulator has broad powers ranging from ordering internet service providers to block domains and IP addresses to more effective measures such as blocking financial transactions through direct cooperation with banks and payment systems. This makes operating illegally in the Australian market increasingly risky and costly.
Australia’s regulatory model represents a unique hybrid: strict federal legislation prohibiting online casinos coexists with a well-developed system of sports betting licensing at the state level. This creates a complex yet transparent environment for legal bookmaking businesses, almost completely excluding international operators from online casino offerings. Acquiring a gambling license in Australia is a strategic investment in one of the world’s most mature and competitive betting markets, requiring meticulous adherence to distinctive local requirements.
FAQ
Can a Foreign Company Get an Online Casino License in Australia?
No, it’s practically impossible. The key limitation imposed by the federal Interactive Gambling Act 2001 is a blanket ban on providing online casino services (slots, roulette, blackjack) to anyone, including foreign operators, for players residing in Australia. Only sports betting and horse race betting are legally licensed. Foreign companies can apply for these licenses, but not for an online casino license.
How Much Does a Gambling License Cost in Australia?
The cost varies depending on the state, but the process involves significant investments. Applying and submitting an application incurs a non-refundable registration fee of 5,000 – 20,000 AUD. An annual license fee ranges from 10,000 – 100,000+ AUD. Major expenses come from taxes: Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) tax and Point of Consumption Tax (POCT), which together can amount to 15–35% of gross income. Legal advice and technical certification also require considerable expenditure.
What's the Difference Between a Bookmaker License and a Casino License in Australia?
These are fundamentally distinct licenses authorizing different activities:
- Bookmaker License (Sports Wagering License): Grants permission to accept bets on sports events and horse races. This is the primary and essentially sole opportunity for new operators to legally enter the Australian online market.
- Casino License: Authorizes operation of a land-based casino. These are exclusive licenses (monopolies or oligopolies) rarely granted to new entrants, especially foreign entities. In very limited cases, it might allow online operations, but strictly for residents of the specific state.
What Is the Most Important Tax for Operators in Australia?
The most critical financial obligation is the Point of Consumption Tax (POCT). This is a tax paid by the operator into the budget of the state where the player is physically located at the moment of making a bet. The rate varies from 10% to 20% of Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR). POCT mandated all operators, regardless of their place of registration, to pay taxes to the states from which their players originate, significantly increasing the tax burden but enhancing market transparency.
How Can a Player Verify If a Website Has an Australian License?
A legal operator must prominently display its license number and issuing state in the footer section of the website. To verify the license, check the official website of the corresponding state regulator (for example, Liquor & Gaming NSW, VGCCC). Another reliable indicator of legitimacy includes the use of localized payment methods (like POLi, PayID) and visible responsible gaming tools (deposit limits, self-exclusion). If the site predominantly accepts cryptocurrencies for payments, it is likely indicative of an illegal operator.
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