The landscape of gambling in Australia eclipses the rest of the planet, making it the host of the world’s top gamblers per capita. We’ve checked out the numbers to prove this statistic. Australian players wagered over AUD$244 billion in 2022-23, dwarfing all other countries, including the United States of America.
This staggering feat is inclusive of bets placed online and at land-based casinos around different states. Each Australian territory has its own federal and state regulations, offering everything from pokies (slots) to live dealer games.
Go through our page to discover which Australian state has the most casinos, the gambling laws that govern what’s allowed, and the games available.
We’ll break down casino gambling by state and territory, including legal frameworks, key regulators, a list of land-based casinos, and responsible gambling support.
Gambling Laws in Australia: Federal vs. State Overview
Australia’s gambling market is regulated at both federal and state/territory levels, with no single national authority. The federal Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA), enforced by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), bans unlicensed operators from offering online casinos, poker, and in-play sports betting to Australians.
However, it’s legal for Australian residents to access licensed offshore casinos. The IGA also prohibits advertising certain interactive services. To this effect, they’ve recently banned credit cards and some digital currencies for online wagering.
At the state level, each region licenses land-based casinos, pokies, betting, and lotteries while enforcing responsible gambling. Key federal overlays include the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 (AML/CTF Act), administered by AUSTRAC, which requires casino operators to verify identities and report suspicious activities.
Key Statistics on Australian Gambling (2025 Data)
- Participation: 73% of adults gambled in the past year; 38% weekly.
- Most popular gambling game: lotteries/scratchies (64%), horse racing (38%), sports betting (34%) and pokies (33%).
- Online Growth: 78% of gamblers went online during the pandemic; Australians lead in online spending.
| Jurisdiction | Regulator | Key Laws | Gambling Revenue Contribution (as % of State Taxation, 2015-16) |
| NSW | Liquor & Gaming NSW (L&GNSW); Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority (ILGA); NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC) | Gambling Legislation Amendment Act 2018 | 7.7% |
| VIC | Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) | Gambling Regulation Act 2003 | 3.2% |
| QLD | Queensland Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (QOLGR) | Gaming Machine Act 1991 | Varies |
| WA | Department of Racing, Gaming and Liquor | Gaming and Wagering Commission Act 1987 | 0.9% |
| SA | Consumer and Business Services (CBS) | Gaming Machines Act 1992 | Varies |
| TAS | Tasmanian Liquor and Gaming Commission | Gaming Control Act 1993 | Varies |
| ACT | ACT Gambling and Racing Commission | Gambling and Racing Control Act 1999 | Varies |
| NT | Northern Territory Racing Commission (NTRC); Licensing NT | Gaming Control Act 1993 | 12.0% |
State and Territory Casinos Breakdown by Region
Australia has no federal ban on land-based casinos, but online casinos are prohibited for domestic operators. Casino players have opted to use offshore gambling sites that can legally operate in Australia.
Each territory regulates its own venues, with pokies being the most common at pubs, brick-and-mortar casinos and even online. Australia hosts 76% of the world’s pub/club machines despite 0.3% of the global population. Below is a detailed overview:
New South Wales Casinos
NSW boasts Australia’s largest gambling market, with over 87,000 electronic gaming machines (EGMs) excluding casinos. Land-based casinos include The Star Sydney (suspended license in 2024; under special manager). There are no state-licensed online casinos in Australia, but residents access offshore platforms.
- Regulator: L&GNSW/ILGA/NICC.
- Key restrictions: Strict advertising bans; cashless EGMs trialled.
- Popular venues: The Star Sydney, Crown Sydney (under construction scrutiny).
Victoria Casinos
Regulated by VGCCC, VIC has one major casino: Crown Melbourne (returned to suitability in 2024 after reforms). Over 26,000 EGMs in pubs/clubs. No local online casinos; offshore access allowed.
- Focus on harm minimisation: Pre-commitment systems incoming.
- Popular casino games: Pokies, blackjack.
- Land-based limits: AUD$5 max bet on EGMs outside casinos.
Queensland Casinos
QOLGR oversees venues like The Star Gold Coast and Treasury Brisbane. Over 21,000 EGMs. No state online casinos; offshore legal.
- Recent changes: Cashless tech trials.
- Regulator emphasises AML compliance.
- Key casinos: The Star Gold Coast, The Ville Resort-Casino (Townsville).
Western Australia Casinos
Strictest rules: Only one casino, Crown Casino Perth, is regulated by the Department of Racing, Gaming and Liquor. No EGMs in pubs/hotels. Offshore online access permitted. High RTP minimum (90% for EGMs).
- Focus: Limited expansion to curb harm.
South Australia Casinos
CBS regulates SkyCity Adelaide (fined AUD$67M in 2024 for AML breaches). Over 11,000 EGMs. No local online; offshore okay. Lotteries via the Lotteries Commission.
- Emphasis: Advertising standards, player protections.
Tasmania Casinos
The Tasmanian Liquor and Gaming Commission oversees Wrest Point (Hobart) and Country Club (Launceston). Mandatory pre-commitment for EGMs from Dec 2025. Offshore online legal. A small market, but flexible for international operators.
Australian Capital Territory Casinos
ACT Gambling and Racing Commission regulates Casino Canberra. Over 3,500 EGMs. Keno online in venues. Offshore casinos are accessible.
- Focus: Community benefits from revenue.
Northern Territory Casinos
NTRC/Licensing NT licenses global operators (e.g., fantasy betting).
- Casinos: Mindil Beach (Darwin), Lasseters (Alice Springs). Flexible for online wagering; ‘internet gaming licenses’ for offshore export. High problem gambling rates (1.4-2.1%).
Forms of Gambling and Popular Casino Games in State Casinos
All states allow poker machines, table games, and betting. Offshore platforms offer more variety legally.
- Pokies (EGMs/Slots): Dominant; AUD$150 billion turnover in 2020-21, AUD$12B losses.
- Table Games: Blackjack, roulette, baccarat (live/RNG).
- Poker: Land-based in casinos; online prohibited.
- Live Dealer Games: Offshore only (e.g., Evolution Gaming).
- Other: Video poker, craps, sic bo, lotteries.
| Game Type | Availability | RTP Minimum (Varies by State) |
| Slot machines | All states | 85-90% |
| Blackjack | Casinos | N/A (skill-based) |
| Roulette | Casinos/Offshore | Varies |
Types of Casinos by State and Online Gambling Options
The Australian Government allows several types of gambling activities. Here’s what you can partake in:
- Land-Based Casinos: Physical venues like Crown Resorts.
- Offshore Online Casinos: Legal for Aussies; licensed in Curaçao/Malta (e.g., trusted sites accepting AUD). The online gambling laws are clear; casino operators are prohibited from offering games to
- Mobile Casinos: Top online real money casinos have optimised their platform for iOS and Android operating systems. You can even download a dedicated mobile app for convenience.
- Live Dealer Casinos: Immersive offshore streams.
- No Deposit/High Roller Casinos: Offshore bonuses available (NSW limits ads).
Gaming vs Gambling in Australia
While the terms gaming and gambling are often used interchangeably, they have distinct meanings, especially in the context of Australian state casinos. Understanding these differences can help you make informed choices about your entertainment and ensure you stay within legal and responsible boundaries.
Key Differences
Here are the tabulated differences between gambling and gaming:
| Aspect | Gambling | Gaming |
| Financial Risk | Involves betting real money (AUD or crypto) with potential wins or losses. | No real money at stake; uses virtual currency or free credits. |
| Legal Status | Regulated by federal (IGA 2001) and state laws; legal at licensed offshore casinos. | Largely unregulated; freely accessible via apps or demo modes. |
| Purpose | Aimed at winning money or prizes; higher stakes and excitement. | Focused on fun, skill-building, or social interaction; low or no stakes. |
| Examples in Casinos | Real-money pokies, live blackjack, and roulette at offshore platforms. | Free-to-play pokies, social casino games, or demo modes on casino sites. |
| Player Protections | Offers responsible gambling tools (e.g., self-exclusion, Gambling Help Online). | Minimal protections are needed due to a lack of financial risk. |
Why It Matters for Australian Players
- Choosing Your Experience: If you’re seeking the thrill of real-money wins, gambling at trusted offshore casinos (licensed in places like Curaçao or Malta) is legal and exciting. For casual entertainment or practice, gaming through free casino apps or demo modes lets you enjoy pokies or table games risk-free.
- Legal Clarity: Gambling is subject to strict federal and state regulations, but there’s no law against Aussies playing at offshore casinos. Gaming, however, faces fewer restrictions, making it widely accessible.
- Responsible Play: Gambling requires caution due to financial risks, so use tools like deposit limits or contact Gambling Help Online if needed. Gaming is a safer alternative for those avoiding financial stakes.
List of Casinos in Australia
Here’s a list of casinos in Australia by state:
- NSW: The Star Sydney, Crown Sydney.
- VIC: Crown Melbourne Casino.
- QLD: The Star Gold Coast, Treasury Casino Brisbane, The Ville Resort-Casino.
- WA: Crown Perth.
- SA: SkyCity Adelaide.
- TAS: Wrest Point Casino, Country Club Tasmania.
- ACT: Casino Canberra.
- NT: Mindil Beach Casino Resort, Lasseters Casino.
Online Casinos vs. Land-Based Casinos: A Comparison
Choosing between an online casino you can trust and a land-based casino near me, like Crown Melbourne or The Star Sydney, depends on preferences as an Australian player. The table below compares the two options across key factors to help you decide which suits you best.
| Factor | Online Casinos | Land-Based Casinos |
| Convenience | Play anytime, anywhere on your computer, tablet, or smartphone. No travel needed, ideal for regional players. | Require travel to venues like The Star Gold Coast or Crown Perth. Less convenient for those far from cities. |
| Game Variety | Thousands of table and poker games, including online pokie machines, live blackjack, roulette, baccarat, video poker, and live casino shows from providers like Evolution. | Limited by physical space, offering pokies, table games, and poker tournaments, a baccarat room, and a bar, but fewer options than online platforms. |
| Bonuses & Promotions | Generous welcome bonuses, no deposit offers, free spins, and loyalty programs, even with state ad restrictions (e.g., NSW). | Limited to loyalty comps (e.g., free drinks, hotel stays). Rarely match the value of online bonuses. |
| Cost & Payouts | Lower overheads lead to better odds (95–98% for pokies) and lower minimum bets. Supports AUD and crypto. | Higher costs result in lower payout rates and higher minimum bets, plus extra expenses like travel or dining. |
| Social Experience | Solo experience with some interaction with casino employees via live dealer games or chat features. Ideal for privacy-focused players. Also features dress standards | Vibrant, social atmosphere with live entertainment, dining, and direct interaction with dealers and players. |
| Safety & Regulation | Licensed offshore (e.g., Curaçao, Malta) with SSL encryption. Players must verify credibility, but trusted platforms are safe. | Strictly regulated by state bodies like the VGCCC or NTRC, ensuring high trust and compliance. Casino security is also tight. |
| Responsible Gambling | Tools like deposit limits and self-exclusion, plus links to Gambling Help Online. Support varies by platform. | On-site programs and direct access to state resources like GambleAware NSW or Gamblers’ Help VIC. |
Which Should You Choose?
- Choose Online Casinos if you value convenience, great user experience, a wider casino game selection, better bonuses, and lower costs. They’re perfect for playing from home or on the go, especially in states like WA with limited land-based options. You can also reach out to the customer service without standing in a long queue.
- Choose Land-Based Casinos if you enjoy the social vibe, live entertainment, neon signs and regulated environment of venues like Crown Melbourne. They’re ideal for a night out or a special occasion.
Responsible Gambling in Australia
- On average, gambling harm affects 80,000-160,000 adults. This is why responsible gambling efforts have been implemented by all state governments. All jurisdictions mandate tools like the self-exclusion registry (the National Self-Exclusion Register started in 2024).The regulation of gambling is important for ensuring that each operator abides by these rules. Here are some factors you need to remember:
- National Resources: Gambling Help Online (1800 858 858); GambleAware.
- State Programs: Gambler’s Help (VIC), GambleAware (NSW).
- Age Limit: 18+; ID checks mandatory.
Seek help if needed, you’ll get it! Confidentiality is guaranteed.
Commonly Asked FAQs about Australian State Casinos
Are casinos legal in all Australian states?
Yes, but regulated differently; Western Australia has the strictest limits. Online casinos are strictly prohibited in all Australian territories.
Can I play online casinos in Australia?
Yes, you can play at offshore licensed sites, which are legal for players. There are no domestic gaming houses offering games on the internet.
What are the safest payment methods?
You can use POLi, Neosurf, and crypto (where allowed), which are popular for their secure functionality.
Are casino bonuses available?
Yes, offshore casino sites offer bonuses and promos; state advertising restrictions apply. Land-based casinos may offer VIP perks and seasonal promos, but generally do not offer casino bonuses.
Is gambling taxed?
Winnings aren’t taxed for players; however, casino operators pay state taxes.
Where to get help for problem gambling?
You can call the National Gambling Helpline 1800 858 858 or visit state resources like GambleAware for immediate counselling.
How many casinos are there in Australia?
There are 14 gaming venues across various territories, including Tasmania, Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia, and South Australia.
