Regulation of such games in the AU market
1) General regulation structure
The Australian gambling market is controlled on two levels:
As a result, each jurisdiction has its own conditions of admission and control.
2) Skill-based automata classification
Under most regional laws, a device is considered a slot machine if the outcome is at least partially determined by chance. Skill-based slots include RNGs, so fall under regulation along with classic slots, but require additional description of the influence of skills.
3) Supervisors by state
New South Wales (NSW): Liquor & Gaming NSW - licensing, RTP control, mechanics review.
Victoria: Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission - mandatory disclosure of the mechanics and share of the skill component.
Queensland: Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation - certification through accredited laboratories, RNG integrity control.
Western Australia: Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries - strict restrictions on the installation of machines, individual consideration of skill-based format.
Other states/territories: Have similar approaches, but differences in betting limits, winnings and acceptable formats.
4) Licensing and certification
Operators are required to hold a state-specific gambling license.
The devices are tested in independent laboratories (BMM Testlabs, GLI).
The developer must provide documentation describing the mechanics of skill elements and their impact on RTP.
Online geolocation is required for states with bans.
5) Requirements for operators
Clearly informing players that the skill affects only part of the result.
Limit maximum bets and winnings.
Implementation of responsible game tools (time limits, session duration notifications, pauses).
Separation of stages, where the result depends on chance, and stages where the skill is important.
6) Current trends
The growing interest of regulators in skill-based machines due to their popularity with a young audience.
Discussion of imposing limits on the maximum skill-dependent proportion of RTP (typically 3-8%).
Trend toward unification of mechanical testing requirements across states.
7) The bottom line
The regulation of skill-based machines in Australia is based on the already existing norms for gambling, but is complemented by specific requirements for the description and control of the skill component. To enter the AU market, developers and operators must take into account the difference between the states, undergo mandatory certification and strictly follow the rules of responsible play.
The Australian gambling market is controlled on two levels:
- Federal - establishes basic norms for online gambling (Interactive Gambling Act 2001), regulates bans and international access.
- State/territorial - defines rules for land establishments, slot machines and their varieties, including skill-based slots.
As a result, each jurisdiction has its own conditions of admission and control.
2) Skill-based automata classification
Under most regional laws, a device is considered a slot machine if the outcome is at least partially determined by chance. Skill-based slots include RNGs, so fall under regulation along with classic slots, but require additional description of the influence of skills.
3) Supervisors by state
New South Wales (NSW): Liquor & Gaming NSW - licensing, RTP control, mechanics review.
Victoria: Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission - mandatory disclosure of the mechanics and share of the skill component.
Queensland: Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation - certification through accredited laboratories, RNG integrity control.
Western Australia: Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries - strict restrictions on the installation of machines, individual consideration of skill-based format.
Other states/territories: Have similar approaches, but differences in betting limits, winnings and acceptable formats.
4) Licensing and certification
Operators are required to hold a state-specific gambling license.
The devices are tested in independent laboratories (BMM Testlabs, GLI).
The developer must provide documentation describing the mechanics of skill elements and their impact on RTP.
Online geolocation is required for states with bans.
5) Requirements for operators
Clearly informing players that the skill affects only part of the result.
Limit maximum bets and winnings.
Implementation of responsible game tools (time limits, session duration notifications, pauses).
Separation of stages, where the result depends on chance, and stages where the skill is important.
6) Current trends
The growing interest of regulators in skill-based machines due to their popularity with a young audience.
Discussion of imposing limits on the maximum skill-dependent proportion of RTP (typically 3-8%).
Trend toward unification of mechanical testing requirements across states.
7) The bottom line
The regulation of skill-based machines in Australia is based on the already existing norms for gambling, but is complemented by specific requirements for the description and control of the skill component. To enter the AU market, developers and operators must take into account the difference between the states, undergo mandatory certification and strictly follow the rules of responsible play.
