Australia

[elscrabinda]

Are there any Australian members here who can help me out with some info please?

I may be moving there next year (Canberra), but am unsure of the legality or otherwise of internet gambling. Is it likely to cause me problems either continuing to play at existing casinos, or signing up to new ones? Also, i know about the ubiquitous 'pokies' but what is there in the way of high-street bookmakers or casinos? Is it all controlled by the TAB?

Thanks

[oyw7862]

Hi,
I am in Australia, and based on my understanding, casinos operate in Australia(eg. CANBET) can not provide services to locals(Sport bets are excepted). However, you will still be able to play at most of online casinos operate outside of Australia.

Oz pokies are quite fun but make sure you only play at casinos(92%+ payout) but not pub and TAB(86% payout).

Good thing is that you are playing your after tax money, so you can keep your wins tax free.

Cheers

[davey]

Hi owy
There are lots of good casinos like Virgin and Betfair that won't let you play. They even have a way of knowing where you are playing so you can't use and os address. There are many others that do accept Aussies like my favourite Bet Voyager who have one cent min bets which I like.
Our gov does say it's illegal to gamble on these sights but I have never heard of anyone getting in trouble, except for the NSW pollitician who was sacked for using gamling and porn sites on his work computer. That's got to be the silliest man in Australia!
Anyway they wouldn't have a big enough jail to hold all the illegal gamblers from the US and Australia just on this forum so I wouldn't worry too much.
Cheers
Davey

[mattsgame]

Are there any Australian members here who can help me out with some info please?

I may be moving there next year (Canberra), but am unsure of the legality or otherwise of internet gambling. Is it likely to cause me problems either continuing to play at existing casinos, or signing up to new ones? Also, i know about the ubiquitous 'pokies' but what is there in the way of high-street bookmakers or casinos? Is it all controlled by the TAB?

Thanks

Internet Gambling is not illegal in Australia but it is against the law to offer Online Casinos to Australians also known as the IGA(Internet Gambling Act)

The IGA targets the providers of interactive gambling services, not their potential or actual customers. The IGA makes it an offence to provide an interactive gambling service to a customer physically present in Australia, but it is not an offence for Australian residents to play poker or casino games online.


The only casino's I have run into that DO NOT accept Australians is The Wager Works group of casinos (Virgin,Boyle Casino,Kerching etc) and a few Playtechs like Circus. Most of these casino are run from the U.K I think.

If your looking at bookmakers I'am guessing you want to have a punt while you are here

The TAB is the major player and has a fair chunk in everything, but you do have a lot of choice when it comes to Online bookie's/betting places with your options being Sportingbet,IASbet,Luxbet,Betfair,Sports Bet, Centre Bet, I'am sure theres more i have missed. I use IASbet and have never had a problem with them depositing or withdrawing. If your looking for bookies that are not online I cannot help you in Canberra I'am afraid as I'am in Victoria.

Hope this helps,
Matt