Online Casino Certification in Australia
Gambling, has for many decades, been part of the Australian culture. Land-based casinos are completely legal in the country, but iGaming is a very different ball game. Online gaming regulation was the state/territory's responsibility when betting sites emerged.
The rapid adoption of new technologies attracted the Federal Government's attention, which prompted the government to enact legislation that bans Australian betting sites from offering real-money services to Aussie gamblers. Nevertheless, it does not make it illegal for you to wager online. This page discusses online casino certification in Australia.
The Interactive Gambling Act 2001(IGA)
This Act was enforced to check the perceived negative impacts of gambling on the internet in this nation. As such, operators have been banned from advertising real-money interactive online gaming to the citizens but can provide services to punters living abroad, providing it isn't in the so-called "designated countries".
Over the years, several loopholes were discovered, where Aussies placed bets using mobile phones. This led to the Interactive Gambling Amendment Bill in 2016, which banned mobile gaming but allowed some forms of e-gaming. Note that Aussie patrons could and can still engage in these activities in offshore gaming sites using mobile and desktop devices.
What Forms of Online Gambling are Legal in Australia?
The IGA indicates that several forms are permitted within the borders. Currently, casino certification operates at two levels - the Federal Government that generally regulates the industry and state/territory governments.
- Pokies: Pokies are legal to play and are quite popular in this country. The Australian gambling market takes the top spot worldwide, most of which involve pokie machines.
- Online Poker: This is also popular among Aussie gamers, but operating a poker site inside the borders is illegal. However, it's completely legal for you to indulge in poker in offshore casino sites.
- Bingo: Online Bingo is allowed too. Players can also purchase local lotto tickets and bet on outcomes of lotteries - though the practice has been a controversial matter lately.
Are Your Winnings Taxable?
Aussie players are not required to pay any income tax on their winnings, as this is considered as income from a hobby as well as the result of luck. The only people who pay the tax are the operators, which depend on the type of game, and the location of the betting house. Obviously, the taxes vary from one state to another. Another way betting houses pay taxes is through the online casino certification that they need to operate.
Australian Local Casino Regulatory Authorities
Listed below are the bodies that are tasked with the regulation of Australian online wagering and the regions where they have authority.
- Licensing Commission - Northern Territory
- ACT Gambling and Racing Commission - Australian Capital Territory
- Independent Gambling Authority - South Australia
- Office of Liquor, Gaming, and Racing - New South Wales
- Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation - Queensland
- The Department of Racing, Gaming, and Liquor controls the Western territory
- Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation covers the Victoria territory
- Tasmanian Gaming Commission - Tasmania
- Australian Broadcasting Authority manages the formal complaints process across the land
Offshore Online Casino Certification Bodies
Even though it's quite hectic for operators to receive local permits, Aussie players have a lot of options when it comes to iGaming. The most recognized jurisdictions that issue licenses to Australian betting websites are as follows:
- Isle of Man
- Gibraltar
- Alderney
- Netherlands Antilles
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Malta
- Cyprus
- Panama
- Costa Rica
