Legality of moment games in Australia
1) Short answer
In Australia, it is forbidden to offer people in the country online casinos and other "illegal interactive gambling services" (including online poker, online poker, roulette/blackjack, betting during a match and betting on the outcome of lotteries). Advertising of such services is also prohibited. Supervision and blocking is carried out by the ACMA regulator.
2) What exactly falls under the ban for moment games
If the "instant game" is essentially an online casino product (instant backs/rounds with cash bets and a random outcome), its offer to Australian players is illegal. The law directly classifies online casinos and betting on the outcome of lotteries as prohibited services; online "scratch" (instant/scratch lotteries) are also prohibited.
3) Who is responsible
The federal Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA) targets providers: it is a crime to offer such services to people based in Australia. (In this case, the player's access to an offshore site is a matter of risk, but the act itself is aimed specifically at operators.)
4) What is allowed (in general terms)
Online wagering (sports betting/horse racing) with Australian licensed operators is allowed, but without in-play online; only the phone is allowed for "in-play."
Lotteries - online sales are possible from licensed lottery operators; online keno is allowed in select jurisdictions (ACT and Victoria; in NSW - limited to geofenced hotels/clubs).
Online "scratch" (instant/scratch) - not allowed; in Australia, scratch-off tickets are sold offline through retail.
5) How ACMA enforces the law
ACMA investigates, issues warnings/fines, requires communication providers to block illegal sites and stops their advertising. Since 2019, according to industry reports and releases, over 1,000 sites and affiliate resources have been blocked, and block lists are regularly updated.
6) "Gray" signs and how to check legality
Licence: A legal online wagering operator has a valid Australian licence (often NT). The absence of a local license when working "under AU" is an alarm.
Product category: any online slots/roulette/poker for Australians - IGA exclusion zone (whatever the name of the site).
Scratchy "in the browser": not legally sold; official lottery sites show assortment and send to retail.
Lists and locks: ACMA maintains public materials about allowed/blocked services and regularly reports new blocks.
7) Exceptions and "subtleties"
Social/skill games without a prize or element of randomness are not generally considered "gambling" and are regulated differently; however, online operations may fall under local "interactive game" modes.
Operators may obtain internet licenses to supply products outside Australia (such as NT), but not for online casinos inside AU.
8) Practical conclusions
"Moment games" with casino mechanics (slots/crash/roulette, etc.) cannot be legally offered to people in Australia; advertising of such services is also a violation.
The legal online segment is wagering with Australian licenses, as well as online lotteries/keno within the limits established by a specific state/territory. Online scratching is not.
ACMA actively blocks and fines; the "Australian branding" of the offshore site does not make it legal for AU. Check ACMA licenses and summaries.
In Australia, it is forbidden to offer people in the country online casinos and other "illegal interactive gambling services" (including online poker, online poker, roulette/blackjack, betting during a match and betting on the outcome of lotteries). Advertising of such services is also prohibited. Supervision and blocking is carried out by the ACMA regulator.
2) What exactly falls under the ban for moment games
If the "instant game" is essentially an online casino product (instant backs/rounds with cash bets and a random outcome), its offer to Australian players is illegal. The law directly classifies online casinos and betting on the outcome of lotteries as prohibited services; online "scratch" (instant/scratch lotteries) are also prohibited.
3) Who is responsible
The federal Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA) targets providers: it is a crime to offer such services to people based in Australia. (In this case, the player's access to an offshore site is a matter of risk, but the act itself is aimed specifically at operators.)
4) What is allowed (in general terms)
Online wagering (sports betting/horse racing) with Australian licensed operators is allowed, but without in-play online; only the phone is allowed for "in-play."
Lotteries - online sales are possible from licensed lottery operators; online keno is allowed in select jurisdictions (ACT and Victoria; in NSW - limited to geofenced hotels/clubs).
Online "scratch" (instant/scratch) - not allowed; in Australia, scratch-off tickets are sold offline through retail.
5) How ACMA enforces the law
ACMA investigates, issues warnings/fines, requires communication providers to block illegal sites and stops their advertising. Since 2019, according to industry reports and releases, over 1,000 sites and affiliate resources have been blocked, and block lists are regularly updated.
6) "Gray" signs and how to check legality
Licence: A legal online wagering operator has a valid Australian licence (often NT). The absence of a local license when working "under AU" is an alarm.
Product category: any online slots/roulette/poker for Australians - IGA exclusion zone (whatever the name of the site).
Scratchy "in the browser": not legally sold; official lottery sites show assortment and send to retail.
Lists and locks: ACMA maintains public materials about allowed/blocked services and regularly reports new blocks.
7) Exceptions and "subtleties"
Social/skill games without a prize or element of randomness are not generally considered "gambling" and are regulated differently; however, online operations may fall under local "interactive game" modes.
Operators may obtain internet licenses to supply products outside Australia (such as NT), but not for online casinos inside AU.
8) Practical conclusions
"Moment games" with casino mechanics (slots/crash/roulette, etc.) cannot be legally offered to people in Australia; advertising of such services is also a violation.
The legal online segment is wagering with Australian licenses, as well as online lotteries/keno within the limits established by a specific state/territory. Online scratching is not.
ACMA actively blocks and fines; the "Australian branding" of the offshore site does not make it legal for AU. Check ACMA licenses and summaries.
💡The material is for reference only and is not legal advice. For a specific case, consider state/territory rules and contact your profile lawyer.
