No online casino is allowed to offer pokies or casino games to people in Australia. The Interactive Gambling Act targets operators and advertisers, not players, but offshore sites offer no Australian protection. Free social pokies apps, licensed sports betting and lotteries are legal options.
- Online pokies and casino games may not be offered to Australians
- Players are not prosecuted, but have no protection at offshore sites
- Free social pokies apps are legal
- Help: Gambling Help Online, 1800 858 858
On this page
Online pokies and casino games are some of the most searched gambling topics in Australia, yet no online casino is allowed to offer them to people in Australia. This guide explains what the law says, what is legal on your phone, the risks of offshore pokies sites and where to get help.
Please note: because advertising online casino services to people in Australia is prohibited, this page doesn’t list, rank or link to online casinos.
Are online pokies legal in Australia?
No. The Interactive Gambling Act, a federal law that applies in every state and territory, makes it an offence to provide online casino games, online pokies and online poker to people in Australia. That applies to Australian and offshore operators alike, and there is no licence that allows an online casino to serve Australian customers.
The law targets operators and advertisers, not players. Using an offshore pokies site is not a criminal offence for an individual, but it does mean you play without any Australian protection: no regulator to complain to, no guarantee your balance is safe and no access to Australian dispute resolution.
What is legal and what isn’t
| Activity | Status in Australia |
|---|---|
| Online pokies and casino games | Not allowed to be offered to Australians |
| Online poker for real money | Not allowed to be offered to Australians |
| Online sports and racing betting | Legal with Australian-licensed bookmakers, except in-play betting online |
| Online lotteries and keno | Legal through licensed lottery operators |
| Free social pokies apps | Legal, as long as you can’t win money or prizes |
| Pokies in pubs, clubs and casinos | Legal, regulated by each state and territory |
How the law is enforced
The Australian Communications and Media Authority, ACMA, enforces the Interactive Gambling Act. It directs internet providers to block illegal gambling websites, and it also acts against sites that advertise those services to Australians. Blocked operators often return under new domain names, so a site that works today can disappear tomorrow, sometimes together with your balance.
Risks of offshore pokies sites
- No local protection: offshore sites are licensed elsewhere, if at all, and Australian authorities can’t help you recover money.
- Blocked sites: a site can become unreachable after an ACMA block, which makes withdrawing harder.
- Strict withdrawal terms: weekly limits, high wagering on bonuses and identity checks are common reasons payouts are delayed or refused.
- No national self-exclusion: offshore sites are not connected to BetStop, so excluding yourself there doesn’t block them.
- Payment risks: credit cards can no longer be used for online wagering with licensed Australian bookmakers, and payments to offshore sites often go through crypto or third-party processors with little protection.
Pokies apps you can legally use
If you enjoy pokies on your phone, free social pokies apps in the App Store and Google Play are legal in Australia. You play with virtual coins, can buy extra coins and can’t cash out. They are a good way to try games without risking money, but keep an eye on in-app purchases, which add up quickly. Set a spending limit in your Apple or Google account, especially on a shared device.
Free casino-style apps work the same way for poker and bingo. Read our review of the Zynga Poker app for an example of how a free poker app works and what to watch out for.
Sports betting apps in Australia
Online sports and racing betting is legal with bookmakers licensed in an Australian state or territory. These apps must offer deposit limits and are connected to BetStop, the national self-exclusion register. In-play betting on sport is only allowed by phone or in person, not through an app or website.
Responsible gambling and help
- Gambling Help Online: free, confidential support around the clock on 1800 858 858 or via online chat.
- BetStop: the national register that lets you exclude yourself from all licensed online and phone betting providers in one go.
- Limits: set deposit limits with your bookmaker and spending limits in your app store account.
Frequently asked questions
Are online pokies legal in Australia?
No. The Interactive Gambling Act prohibits providing online pokies and casino games to people in Australia. The law targets operators, not players, but offshore sites offer no Australian protection.
Can I get in trouble for playing at an offshore casino?
Playing is not a criminal offence for individuals. The risk is mainly financial: you have no Australian regulator to help if a site doesn’t pay out or is blocked.
Are there legal pokies apps in Australia?
Yes, free social pokies apps where you can’t win money or prizes are legal. Real-money online pokies are not allowed to be offered to Australians.
Is online sports betting legal in Australia?
Yes, with bookmakers licensed in an Australian state or territory. In-play betting through apps and websites is not allowed.
Where can I get help with gambling in Australia?
Call Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858, any time of day, or register with BetStop to exclude yourself from licensed betting providers.
Gambling should be entertainment. Set deposit and time limits before you play, take breaks, and use self-exclusion if you need it. Gambling Help Online: 1800 858 858 (24/7)