Illegal Offshore Gambling
Online gambling in Australia
Online gambling in Australia is regulated by theInteractive Gambling Act 2001(the IGA).
The IGA makes it an offence to provide certain gambling services to a customer physically present in Australia via the Internet. Exceptions exist for licensed services that provide online wagering, sports betting and lotteries.
Prohibited online gambling content under the IGA includes services that are often described as 'online casinos' and usually involve using the Internet to play games of chance, or games of mixed chance and skill with real money.
The purpose of the IGA and any penalties are to target the providers of online gambling services, not potential or actual customers.
To learn more about the IGA and the regulation of online gambling in Australia follow this link to the website of the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA)
Licensed Online Casinos for Australian Players
On our website, you can also find licensed online casinos that are fully legal for Australian residents. These operators comply with local regulations, provide secure payment methods, fair gaming, and responsible gambling tools. Playing at licensed platforms ensures safety, protection of personal and financial data, and access to support features if needed. This helps players enjoy online casino games responsibly and reduces the risks associated with unregulated offshore sites.
Illegal Offshore Gambling — Risks and Support
Illegal offshore gambling refers to online gambling sites and casinos that operate without proper licensing or regulation in Australia or New Zealand. These unregulated platforms often target players through aggressive advertising or incentives, but they carry significant risks due to the lack of consumer protection, fair‑play oversight, and secure financial systems.
Players who engage with illegal offshore gambling may encounter issues such as:
Unsecured personal and financial data, increasing risk of fraud or identity theft.
Unfair gaming practices, including non‑verified random number generators (RNGs) and withheld payouts.
Limited or no legal recourse if disputes arise.
Higher likelihood of problem gambling escalation due to addictive features and lack of responsible gaming tools.
Because these offshore platforms are outside the scope of Australian and New Zealand regulation, players do not benefit from the protections afforded by licensed operators — such as verified age limits, self‑exclusion tools, and transparent complaint handling.
Why This Matters for Players
Engaging with illegal offshore gambling can result in significant financial losses and emotional stress. Players may be unaware that many of these sites are not bound to standards required by regulated markets and may refuse to honour withdrawals or safe‑gaming features.
Understanding these risks is an important first step. If you or someone you know has experienced harm from illegal offshore gambling, support and help are available.
Support and Help Resources
If gambling behaviour — whether land‑based, licensed online, or via unregulated offshore sites — is causing harm, there are services designed to assist:
Counselling and Support Services
Professional support is available across Australia and New Zealand for individuals and families affected by problem gambling. This includes face‑to‑face, phone, and online counselling sessions.
Self‑Exclusion Programs
Many jurisdictions offer voluntary self‑exclusion services that help people ban themselves from gambling venues and licensed online platforms — aiding in reducing access to problematic gambling.
Responsible Gambling Tools
Even though offshore sites may not offer responsible gaming features, licensed Australian and NZ operators provide tools like deposit limits and time‑out options that help you manage your gambling behaviour.
Helplines and Referral Services
Support helplines connect callers with trained staff who can provide information, emotional support, and referrals to local services.
Reaching out and accessing help early can significantly improve outcomes for individuals struggling with gambling harm.
Which online gambling services are illegal?
It is illegal for gambling operators to promote or offer the followingreal moneyonline gambling services in Australia:
- slots (pokies)
- casino-style games (like poker, blackjack and roulette)
- scratchies
- in-play bettingon sporting events
- sports betting services that do not hold an Australian licence
- betting on the outcome of a lottery
Illegal online gambling sites may promote themselves as legitimate and legal in Australia, targeting Australian consumers by using images such as the Australian flag and native animals.
Before you use any online gambling services over the internet, make sure it is legal.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) provides a register of legal online gambling providers licensed by the Government to operate in Australia.
Please click here to check if an online gambling operator is legal in Australia.
Please click here to see a list of illegal gambling websites currently blocked by ACMA for the provision of illegal content.
How to protect yourself from illegal online gambling
There are significant risks associated with using online gambling operators that are not licensed and regulated in Australia.
Illegal online gambling services are hosted and operate offshore, where regulation may not be as stringent in terms of consumer protection.
There is no guarantee against fraudulent practices and there may be little recourse if an illegal online service provider withholds your deposit or winnings.
Please click here to find more information about how to protect yourself from illegal providers.
How do I make a complaint?
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) regulate the online gambling industry and investigate complaints from the public.
If you believe that prohibited gambling activity is being offered over the Internet to people in Australia and have concerns, wish to make a complaint or wish to report such activity please accessACMA'sInteractive Gambling Complaint Form.
To find out more about how ACMA enforce the rules and disrupt illegal offshore gambling please click on the link here.
If you wish to contact ACMA directly please call itsCustomer Service Centreon1300 850 115