The short answer is no. Real-money online casinos and pokies are prohibited in Australia, and the position has been consistent since 2001.
What the law actually says
The Interactive Gambling Act 2001 makes it illegal to provide certain online gambling services to people in Australia. The prohibited list includes online casinos, online pokies, and games such as roulette, poker and blackjack. This applies to every operator, whether based in Australia or offshore (legislation.gov.au).
The offence targets the providers, not the players, but there is a penalty of up to $360,000 per day for individuals and $1.8 million per day for companies (Department of Infrastructure).
What is actually legal
What is legal online in Australia is state-licensed wagering, lotteries and keno. Online casino games such as pokies, roulette and blackjack are not among them. Licensed wagering is regulated by state and territory bodies and covered by the national self-exclusion register, BetStop.
Offshore casinos and ACMA
The offshore casinos featured on this site hold licences such as Curacao. They are not licensed in Australia, and the Australian Communications and Media Authority actively investigates and blocks them for breaching the Interactive Gambling Act (ACMA).
What this means for you
If you play at an offshore casino, you risk your money with little legal recourse, because no Australian regulator can force an offshore operator to pay you.
If you are worried about your gambling, call Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858, free and confidential, 24/7.
Frequently asked questions
Are online casinos legal in Australia?
No. Online casinos, pokies and games like roulette and blackjack are prohibited under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
Is any form of online casino play legal in Australia?
No. Real-money online casinos, pokies and games like roulette and blackjack are prohibited. Only state-licensed wagering, lotteries and keno operate legally online.
What is the penalty for illegal casino operators?
Up to $360,000 per day for individuals and $1.8 million per day for companies under the Interactive Gambling Act.
What is BetStop?
The national self-exclusion register that blocks you from all licensed online wagering services for a period you choose.