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). Fantasy betting (payment to back a ‘league’ or ‘portfolio’ selection over a period of time, for example in relation to sport) Bingo in land-based venues is regulated by the state and territory gambling regulators detailed below. Online bingo is regulated by the state and territory gambling regulators detailed below. Despite these efforts, it is understood that Australians continue to transact in high volumes with offshore licensed and unlicensed gambling operators using virtual private networks and similar technologies. At a federal level and in relation to anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing compliance, a large Australian gambling company paid a civil penalty of AUS $45 million to AUSTRAC in relation to admitted breaches of the AML/CTF Act. At the time of writing, casino licensees in NSW and Qld have been deemed unsuitable to hold the licences issued in those jurisdictions. Other regulatory action has been taken for responsible gambling, advertising-related and other matters. This has included action taken by AUSTRAC in relation to casino licensees in Vic, NSW, Qld, WA and also SA examining money laundering issues (including those concerning ‘junket operators’). Enforcement action by the ACMA is also likely to continue following the implementation of various legislative changes, including in relation to illegal gambling sites and following the recent commencement of the NSER. Western Australia introduced tougher gambling laws in February 2025, providing the Gaming and Wagering Commission (GWC) with more investigative powers and higher fines for non-compliance. Factors such as increasing smartphone penetration, enhanced internet connectivity, and the rising popularity of e-sports are driving this growth. With her extensive knowledge in software development and a keen interest in emerging tech trends, Lakisha strives to make technology accessible and understandable to everyone. If the measures work without a disaster for revenues, other states will follow suit. In addition, a number of Corporate Bookmakers have recently been required by AUSTRAC to appoint independent auditors to assess their AML/CTF compliance, with one subsequently entering into an enforceable undertaking with AUSTRAC. Failure to comply with the AML/CTF Act, including by not maintaining a compliant AML/CTF Program, and not filing TTRs and/or SMRs (or filing them late), can result in large civil penalties and possible criminal exposure. Under the AML/CTF Act, certain gambling activities are classified as ‘designated services’ and, as such, reporting entities are required, among other things, to register with AUSTRAC, develop and maintain a compliant AML/CTF Program and report certain transactions to AUSTRAC, including by way of TTRs and SMRs. Included in this are restrictions at a state and territory level in relation to gambling advertising and also inducements to open an account and, in some jurisdictions, to gamble or to gamble more frequently. All gambling-related licences issued by a state or territory are subject to strict requirements relating to responsible gambling and harm minimisation. Retail Wagering Operators, Corporate Bookmakers and On-course Bookmakers are also required to pay race field fees/product fees to racing controlling bodies and sports controlling bodies, respectively, in relation to bets taken on their product. As online casinos grow in popularity, there’s a greater emphasis on promoting responsible gambling. Features like self-exclusion programs and deposit limits are mandatory for licensed platforms. Australian online casinos offer an extensive array of games, including pokies, table games, sports betting, and even niche options like eSports. Aussie online casinos have embraced the latest technology to provide an immersive and engaging gambling experience. With a rich history of gambling that spans decades, Australia has embraced digital platforms, blending its love for betting with cutting-edge technology. The online casino landscape in Australia is not only thriving but is also poised for significant growth in the coming years, offering exciting opportunities for both players and operators alike. A state or territory licence is typically required to operate a bingo centre in the relevant jurisdiction. Casino table gaming and gaming machines, Retail Wagering, lotteries and keno all require an operator licence, which is typically long-dated and is granted by the relevant Australian state or territory. There are also various subordinate legislative instruments, including regulations, which have not been included. Any skill games and competitions with no element of chance are not typically regarded as gambling, but may fall within certain ‘interactive gaming’ regimes when operated online and be regulated by state and territory gambling regulators. Such sweepstakes games can be differentiated from ‘trade promotion lotteries’ which are common in the jurisdiction. Poker is typically played within casinos and is regulated as a table game by the state and territory gambling regulators detailed below. State and territory lotteries engage in pooling arrangements pursuant to what is known as ‘bloc agreements’, under which jackpots are pooled, making the customer offering more attractive. On-course Bookmakers holding an On-course Bookmaker Licence offer fixed-odds betting at racecourses and, where appropriately licensed, over the telephone and via the internet. Retail operations are typically conducted using authorised agents and licensing distribution arrangements. A casino licence permits the relevant casino to typically offer traditional table games and gaming machines. Similarly, a skill game with no element of chance is also not considered gambling and does not require any licence, unless it is operated online and falls within certain ‘interactive gaming’ regimes regulated by state and territory gambling regulators. The use of digital currencies (including cryptocurrency) for gambling purposes is not common in the jurisdiction and, in the case of online wagering and betting, was expressly prohibited following amendments to the Interactive Gambling Act in 2024. 2.8 How do any AML, financial services regulations or payment restrictions restrict or impact on entities supplying gambling? In addition to the compulsory responsible gambling messages and warnings, it is an offence to advertise an inducement to open a betting account or to refer another person to open a betting account and, in some jurisdictions, to gamble or to gamble more frequently. Gaming machine and other equipment manufacturers, software developers and technical services suppliers selling products and/or services used for gambling-related activities typically have perpetual licences, which are often administrative in nature and remain on issue, subject to the payment of periodic fees. Various states (including NSW and Vic) have implemented harm minimisation measures to cap the number of gaming machine permits/licences on issue in certain lower socio-economic areas.