Is Online Poker Legal in Australia? AU poker law research yields interesting results

In 2025, Australian poker players can enjoy legal poker sites every day of the week. Legit poker rooms offer trustworthy software, safe banking, and bonuses that really deliver. And when it comes to fast, reliable cash-outs, Aussies can enjoy quick withdrawals in AUD. However, laws clearly forbid players playing online poker for real money in the region. Therefore, we wouldn’t recommend using a VPN, and in doing so you’ll be risking any subsequent prosecution that could legally be bestowed on you. That was until 2017, where further changes effectively stopped any chance of playing online poker.

More recently, a review of the IGA suggested stopping the flow of money out of Australia. Australian companies should be able to receive licences to operate their own online poker rooms in the country. This would give Australians the option of playing on locally regulated and licensed sites. However, it appears gambling expansion and trials of online poker licensing does not have the political support for the go-ahead any time soon. The restrictions are not getting easier in Australia, since in 2012 the state of Victoria will be opened up to offering a $750 million TAB wagering license for online companies.

With an estimated 80% of Australian adults participating in some form of gambling each year, understanding the legal landscape surrounding online poker is crucial. This article explores the regulations affecting PokerStars and sheds light on whether it is legal to play in Australia. The prohibition of online poker in Australia has led to the emergence of a black market, with unregulated sites continuing to accept Australian players. These sites often operate without the necessary licenses and safeguards, putting players at risk of fraud, identity theft, and unfair gaming practices. Let us know your thoughts about the new changes on poker players and online poker providers by tagging us at #lawpath or @lawpath. Online poker was made illegal in Australia in 2001, though many players still played on offshore sites and not much was done to crack down on this illegal activity.

Most poker authors recommend a tight-aggressive approach to playing Texas Hold’em, emphasizing selective play and assertive betting. Mastering these poker strategy tips can significantly improve your Texas Hold’em game. Texas Hold’em is arguably the most popular poker variant worldwide, and it’s no different in Australia. In Texas Hold’em, your position is crucial because acting later provides more information than players who act earlier. You can evaluate the strength of your hand using techniques like counting outs and utilizing calculators. Poker can be legally played in public places provided they have the appropriate licenses.

• With the increasing interest in cryptocurrencies and their widespread adoption, it is no surprise that the world of online poker has also embraced them.
• If you’re looking for casino games, such as pokies, slots, and live table games, instead of poker, my only recommended site for Australians is Joe Fortune.
• Nevertheless, players are not burdened with this process, which is why the sites actually accept deposits of this currency, and these are immediately converted to the default one according to the exchange rate at the moment.
• Thus, the government’s entire philosophy against real money internet gaming may turn out to be counterproductive.
• Who doesn’t love to take their chance at getting some free money or being rewarded with some special gaming incentives?

Live Poker Regulated By State

As a result, attempting to access online poker sites using VPNs or other workarounds may not be effective and could potentially lead to account closure or other consequences. Australian poker players are advised to explore alternative options, such as playing in land-based casinos or participating in live poker tournaments. Operators outside Australia, as well as players within Australia, continue to offend the IGA statutes. The Australian government is perceived as generally more lenient than the United States government who passed the 2006 Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, which caused numerous sites to instantly bar all U.S. players. Some UK based sites as well as several bbc.co.uk other jurisdictions offering legal online poker rooms still allow Australian player access, though not all do now.

Are there any poker bonuses for Australian players?

The Australian government has made it clear that it will take a zero-tolerance approach to non-compliance, and operators who fail to comply with the regulations risk being blacklisted and excluded from the Australian market. As a result, many online poker operators have chosen to exit the Australian market rather than risk facing the consequences of non-compliance. This has had significant implications for Australian poker players, who are now forced to seek alternative options. In 2016, the Australian government introduced the Interactive Gambling Amendment Bill, which aimed to strengthen the country’s online gambling laws.

PokerStars

Online poker has gained immense popularity worldwide, providing enthusiasts with the opportunity to play their favorite game from the comfort of their homes. However, the legality of online poker in Australia remains a grey area, leading to confusion among poker aficionados. This article aims to explore the legality of online poker in Australia and discuss the available options for players looking to indulge in this thrilling card game online. At the same time, IGA does not make the participation of players in international poker rooms illegal if these platforms are licensed in offshore jurisdictions and accept users from AU. One of the strongest arguments in favor of legalizing online poker is its potential to stimulate economic growth. By bringing online poker under the control of Australian regulations, the Drop The Boss country could create a significant new revenue stream.

However, new laws only apply to the providers of interactive gambling, rather than the users. Therefore, it is not an offence for Australians to access or use online gambling services. The Interactive Gambling Act (Cth) was passed in 2001 to regulate all online gambling in Australia. Basically, it sets restrictions on online gambling and iGaming, such as casino gambling, by targeting online poker providers. In summary the Act makes it illegal for domestic and foreign companies without an Australian licence from marketing or providing online poker to Australians. Ironically, while the popularity of various forms of legal gaming grew, so did lawmakers hesitations about the practices.

Gambling in Australia is regulated at both the state and federal levels, with varying rules in different territories. The Interactive Gambling Act of 2001 (IGA) is the primary piece of legislation that governs online gambling. The IGA prohibits Australian-based operators from offering real-money online poker and casino games to Australian residents.