Online sports wagering is one of the most highly regulated industries in Australia, governed by over 17,000 pages of state and federal regulation. The industry is accountable to approximately 26 different regulatory bodies that scrutinise operations. Find out more by visiting our Advocacy page.

In accordance with Anti-Money Laundering legislation stipulated by the Commonwealth Government, all accounts held with Australian wagering service providers (WSPs) are subject to a customer identification process. Australian citizens and residents are required to verify their identity electronically upon opening a new account. The WSP you have opened an account with will guide you through the process via their wagering platforms. You will not be able to place a bet until your age and identity has been verified.

Australian licensed bookmakers pay some of the highest tax rates in the world, paying significant levels of tax to both state and federal governments. In 2021-2022, Responsible Wagering Australia’s members paid over $1.9 billion in taxes. To find out more out more, please see Taxes and product fees.

Online wagering occurs through digital platforms such as apps or in-browser, whilst in-venue gambling often occurs at a shopfront, casino, or through poker machines. Academic research has disproved claims that online wagering poses a unique or greater problem gambling risk than other forms of gambling. Rather, with the help of digital tracing technology, it found online wagering is in fact safer than other forms of gambling such as electronic gaming machines and venue-based sports betting which present far higher problem gambling risks.

A viable Australian wagering industry is crucial to the protection of integrity in sport. Responsible Wagering Australia’s members work with government and law enforcement officials to ensure integrity in wagering is upheld, including combatting tote manipulation and race/match fixing.

Australia’s licensed wagering industry supports a thriving domestic racing sector through contributions over $650 million per year.

Online pokies and casino games are illegal in Australia. Any overseas gambling website that offers online pokies and casino games operates illegally in Australia, and are not regulated by Australian Law. Customers should be aware that if they gamble using illegal services, they run a high risk of losing their money. These sites can easily scam people and not provide payouts. Not only this, these gambling sites can be accessed by children and vulnerable people. Unfortunately there is little recourse for Australian customers cheated by these websites. To find out if a website is legal and safe to use in Australia, visit ACMA.gov.au

Australia’s licensed online wagering providers apply a rigorous protection regime blocking the creation of accounts by those under 18. Land-based forms of wagering (such as retail TABs) offer only weak protections, and illegal overseas gambling websites often offer no protection against underage gambling at all.

A line of credit is a reusable loan that can be accessed as often as you choose up to your credit limit. Obtaining a line of credit from an Australian wagering service provider is prohibited. Credit cards cannot be used with licensed Australian sports wagering service providers.Further regulatory and voluntary protections are in place to promote responsible wagering and to protect Australian consumers. Responsible Wagering Australia continuously advocates for these safeguards to protect Australian consumers and is a strong supporter of the National Consumer Protection Framework.

Changes to Australian law has seen traditional free bets or bonus offers banned when opening up a new account with a licensed wagering service provider. Wagering service providers are permitted to offer credit deals to existing customers which generally involve a settled bet, as opposed to offering something for free or ‘free money.’

For most people, sports wagering is an enjoyable form of entertainment, but for some it may lead to negative circumstances. To ensure wagering is conducted in a responsible manner whereby the potential for harm is minimised, all Australian licensed wagering service providers make a commitment to help customers stay in control and identify if wagering becomes problematic. Customers can set pre-commitments or deposit limits; self-exclude (either temporarily or permanently) or be referred to gambling-related support services. Staff within Australian wagering service providers are extensively trained in responsible gambling. Please see our ‘Get help’ page for more information and resources.