Online poker is technically illegal for Australian residents under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001, which prohibits the provision of interactive gambling services to people physically present in Australia (1). This federal legislation specifically targets online casino games, including poker, and makes it an offense for operators to offer these services to Australian customers. The law was designed to protect consumers from the potential harms associated with online gambling while allowing certain exemptions for sports betting and lottery services.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) tries to enforce these restrictions by blocking access to unlicensed gambling websites and taking action against operators who target Australian consumers (1). Since the amendments to the Interactive Gambling Act in 2017, enforcement has been strengthened, with ACMA having the power to issue civil penalty notices and direct internet service providers to block prohibited gambling content. The regulatory framework aims to channel gambling activities toward licensed land-based venues and approved online services.
"The Interactive Gambling Act 2001 prohibits the provision of interactive gambling services to customers physically present in Australia, with some exceptions for wagering and lotteries" (1)
While the law prohibits operators from offering services to Australians, it's worth noting that many Australian players continue to access offshore online poker rooms that operate outside Australian jurisdiction. These international sites are not licensed in Australia and players who choose to use them do so without the consumer protections provided by Australian gambling regulations (2). The Australian government's focus remains primarily on preventing operators from targeting Australian customers rather than prosecuting individual players, though participants should be aware they are operating in a legal gray area without regulatory oversight.
Source:
(1) Australian Communications and Media Authority
(2) Australian Gambling Research Centre
Last updated: 23-06-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
