Although online gambling is prohibited in the Land Down Under, Aussies are allowed to play at offshore casinos. However, not all online gambling platforms are safe, which is why it’s vital to check their terms and conditions and privacy policies before registering.
To save you from hours and hours of research, we decided to create a short guide on online gambling laws and restrictions in Australia. In addition to that, we’ll also talk about the main factors to consider when choosing the best online casino Australia sites. At the end of our guide, you’ll find a short overview of online gambling platforms that currently offer the best deals to players from Australia.
The Current State of the Online Casino Scene in Australia
As we mentioned at the beginning, online gambling has been prohibited in Australia since 2001. In other words, gambling operators in the Land Down Under are not allowed to offer:
- Real money slots
- Table games (blackjack, roulette, poker)
- Scratch cards
- In-play sports betting betting
- Lottery
Regarding regulations, each jurisdiction has a separate regulatory body that controls gambling activities:
- Victoria: The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC)
- New South Wales: Liquor and Gaming New South Wales (L&GNSW)
- Queensland: The Queensland Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (QOLGR)
- Australian Capital Territory: The Gambling and Racing Commission
- South Australia: Consumer and Business Services
- Tasmania: The Tasmanian Liquor and Gaming Commission
- Western Australia: The Western Australian Department of Racing, Gaming and Liquor
- Northern Territory: NTRC and Licensing NT
On the federal level, this role belongs to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). However, this doesn’t mean that players from Australia will be prohibited from opening an account on offshore online platforms. Here's how to do it.
Factors You Must Pay Attention to When Choosing an Australian-Friendly Casino
When you type Australian online casinos into an internet search engine, you'll find many results. However, quantity does not mean quality. In other words, not all casinos will be safe and legitimate. That's why it's vital to pay attention to the following factors before you tap the registration button:
Licence and Security
Reputable and trustworthy online casinos are transparent about their gambling licence. You’ll find information about their license, as well as the licence number, at the bottom of the page. That said, make sure that the casino is regulated and licensed by one of the following regulatory bodies:
- United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC)
- Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)
- Curacao eGaming Licensing Authority
Another thing that makes the site safe is its security measures. Namely, opt for platforms that offer SSL encryption and two-factor authentication. This will guarantee that your transactions are safe from potential hacks. Also, give preference to online casinos that offer responsible gambling tools, such as self-exclusion, deposit limits, and cool-off periods.
Moreover, legitimate sites will audit their games via independent testing agencies, like GLI, iTechLabs, and eCogra, to ensure their fairness. You’ll find the stamp of these companies at the bottom of the page or in the Security and Privacy section.
Bonuses and Promotions
Good Australian-friendly online casinos must offer lucrative welcome bonuses for new players and numerous ongoing promotions for existing players, as well as VIP/Loyalty schemes.
As you know, all bonuses come with specific wagering requirements. For sign-up offers, they usually vary from 30x to 45x, while their time limits range between 14 and 30 days. Welcome bonuses also come with minimum deposit requirements. That said, look for sites that require low minimum deposits that range between AU$10 and AU$20.
You may also come across no-deposit welcome bonuses that incorporate bonus funds or free spins. However, keep in mind that these types of bonuses usually come with high wagering requirements.
Regarding ongoing promotions, give preference to platforms that offer VIP/Loyalty schemes, weekly cashback deals, reload offers, high roller bonuses, and refer-a-friend bonuses. Another thing to keep in mind regarding bonuses is game eligibility. Namely, only slots will contribute 100% toward the bonuses, while other casino games will usually contribute between 5% and 10%.
Game Library
What attracts most players to online casinos is the selection of games. On that note, register on sites that offer extensive game libraries that include pokies, both 3-reel and 5-reel slots, numerous variants of table games, like blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker, and try live casino NZ.
Likewise, pay attention to the game providers. Some of the best software developers in Australia include Microgaming, Ainsworth, Yggdrasil, Novomatic, NetEnt, Playtech, Play'n GO, and Evolution Gaming.
Furthermore, make sure that the sites offer free-to-play in addition to real money games so that you can try them before you risk your money. If you’re a high roller, look for sites that offer pokies with large progressive jackpots, as well as megaways and drops & wins. Live dealer game enthusiasts should look for sites that offer multiple blackjack, baccarat, poker, and roulette tables that come with a wide range of bets.
Customer Support
Reputable online gambling platforms that accept players from Australia will provide multiple support channels, from email to live chat, social media, and phone. So, make sure to tap the Contact Us section to check how many support channels they offer.
The support team needs to be professional, responsive, and ready to help you with potential issues, such as game freezing, bonus restrictions, and failed payouts. We advise you to give preference to sites that offer a 24/7 live chat option.
Payment Methods
Since all casinos accept different payment methods, enter the Banking section before picking your number one platform to find out if the site offers your preferred option. Australian players can use debit cards, like Visa and Mastercard, while the Federal Government recently banned using credit cards at online casinos. So keep that in mind.
Other popular method includes Paysafecard, e-wallets like Skrill, Neteller, and PayPal, and cryptocurrencies, which are becoming very popular at Australian-friendly casinos. The sites should also accept AU as one of their currencies; they should offer fast payouts and large withdrawal limits.
Our Short Review of the Most Popular Australian Online Casinos in 2023
Our list of online casinos includes only legitimate and safe sites that offer generous bonuses, multiple payment options, and large game libraries. Here’s a short overview of the top three Australian-friendly sites that deserve your attention in 2023:
Zoome Casino
Zoome casino saw the light of day in 2022. However, even though this is a brand new site, this shouldn’t deter you from giving it a go since it offers over 3000 casino games provided by 50+ software developers.
What's more, new players will be able to claim a lucrative welcome bonus of up to AU$2500 +250 free spins, while existing players will profit from high-roller deals, reload bonuses and cashback offers. Plus, there's a 6-tiered VIP program. The site has a Curacao licence, and it offers 24/7 live chat support, as well as crypto payments.
Playfina Casino
Playfina casino is another Curacao-licensed platform that came out in 2022. This site offers 6000+ casino games, fast payouts, and a sign-up bonus divided into four parts.
Playfina casino has one of the finest VIP programs that's made of 33 levels. It incorporates cashback bonuses, birthday gifts, and high-roller promotions, while the highest-ranking players will be able to win a Lamborghini Huracan. This operator accepts over 10 payment methods, including crypto.
Wild Fortune Casino
Wild Fortune is an Australian-friendly casino that launched in 2020. This Curacao-licenced platform offers more than 2000+ slots and 100+ live dealer games powered by 40 software developers.
Aussies will also be able to claim a 100% welcome bonus of up to AU$150 + 100 free spins for their 1st deposit, 70% up to AU$150 + 75 free spins on their 2nd, and 100% up to AU$150 for their 3rd deposit. On the other hand, existing players will get to participate in multiple Habanero, Pragmatic Play, and Yggdrasil tournaments and a 7-tiered Loyalty program.
Regarding payments, Wild Fortune accepts cryptocurrencies in addition to debit cards and bank transfers. Likewise, you can access the games via a dedicated iOS and Android app.
Get Ready To Ace Up Your Sleeve
Now that you know what to expect from Australia-friendly online casinos, choose a site that suits your needs the most. Avoid casinos that aren't licensed and regulated by authoritative gambling bodies, and give preference to gambling platforms that accept multiple payment options. You should also register at casinos that offer responsive and professional live chat support and that utilize strict security measures.
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