Australian Gambling Laws by State (2026)
While the federal Interactive Gambling Act 2001 sets the national framework for online gambling regulation, each Australian state and territory maintains its own gambling laws governing land-based operations, licensing, and local enforcement. Here is a detailed breakdown of gambling regulation across all states and territories.
New South Wales (NSW)
Regulator: NSW Independent Casino Commission / Liquor & Gaming NSW
Legal gambling age: 18
NSW has the highest density of poker machines (pokies) in Australia, with approximately 90,000 machines across pubs, clubs, and the Star Casino in Sydney. The state conducted a major inquiry (the Bell Inquiry) into the Star Casino in 2022, leading to significant regulatory reforms.
Key legislation: Casino Control Act 1992, Gaming Machines Act 2001, Betting and Racing Act 1998, Lotteries and Art Unions Act 1901.
Recent developments: Introduction of cashless gaming trial for pokies, mandatory pre-commitment card proposals, and enhanced anti-money laundering requirements for clubs and pubs.
Victoria (VIC)
Regulator: Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC)
Legal gambling age: 18
Victoria is home to Crown Melbourne, one of the largest casinos in the Southern Hemisphere. Following the Finkelstein Royal Commission in 2021, the state established the VGCCC as a dedicated regulatory body separate from the broader liquor licensing framework.
Key legislation: Casino Control Act 1991, Gambling Regulation Act 2003.
Recent developments: Crown Melbourne placed under strict monitoring and compliance requirements. Mandatory carded play introduced for pokies at Crown. Electronic gaming machine (EGM) cap maintained at approximately 27,000 machines statewide.
Queensland (QLD)
Regulator: Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR)
Legal gambling age: 18
Queensland operates multiple casinos including The Star Gold Coast, Treasury Brisbane (Star Entertainment), and several smaller regional casinos. The state is also home to a significant number of licensed clubs with pokies.
Key legislation: Casino Control Act 1982, Gaming Machine Act 1991, Wagering Act 1998, Keno Act 1996.
Recent developments: Queen’s Wharf Brisbane casino resort development, enhanced responsible gambling requirements, increased penalties for unlicensed gambling operations.
South Australia (SA)
Regulator: Consumer and Business Services (CBS)
Legal gambling age: 18
South Australia operates the Adelaide Casino and approximately 12,000 poker machines across hotels and clubs. The state has been relatively progressive in implementing harm-minimisation measures.
Key legislation: Casino Act 1997, Gaming Machines Act 1992, Gambling Administration Act 2019.
Recent developments: Barossa Valley proposal for second casino considered and debated. Enhanced facial recognition technology in venues for self-excluded persons.
Western Australia (WA)
Regulator: Gaming and Wagering Commission (GWC)
Legal gambling age: 18
Western Australia has the strictest pokies laws in Australia. Poker machines are only permitted inside the Crown Perth casino — they are banned from all pubs and clubs. This makes WA unique among Australian states.
Key legislation: Casino Control Act 1984, Gaming and Wagering Commission Act 1987, Betting Control Act 1954.
Recent developments: Crown Perth placed under remediation following the national Crown investigations. No plans to expand pokies beyond the casino.
Tasmania (TAS)
Regulator: Tasmanian Liquor and Gaming Commission
Legal gambling age: 18
Tasmania operates two casinos (Wrest Point and Country Club) and approximately 2,300 poker machines in hotels and clubs. The state has debated reducing or removing pokies from pubs and clubs.
Key legislation: Gaming Control Act 1993.
Recent developments: Ongoing debate about removing pokies from pubs and clubs by 2023 did not proceed as planned; licences were extended with additional harm-minimisation conditions.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
Regulator: ACT Gambling and Racing Commission
Legal gambling age: 18
The ACT has no casino but operates approximately 4,000 poker machines across clubs. Canberra clubs are a significant part of the local hospitality industry and community funding model.
Key legislation: Casino Control Act 2006, Gaming Machine Act 2004, Gambling and Racing Control Act 1999.
Recent developments: Reduction in maximum bet per spin, mandatory pre-commitment scheme introduction, enhanced data collection on gambling patterns.
Northern Territory (NT)
Regulator: Northern Territory Racing Commission / Licensing NT
Legal gambling age: 18
The Northern Territory is unique as the jurisdiction that licenses most Australian-facing online wagering operators. Companies like Sportsbet, Ladbrokes AU, and bet365 hold NT licences. However, these licences only cover sports and race wagering — not online casino games.
Key legislation: Gaming Control Act 1993, Racing and Betting Act 1983.
Recent developments: Continued growth as the primary online wagering licensing jurisdiction. Enhanced point-of-consumption tax requirements.
Comparison Summary
| State | Casino(s) | Pokies in Pubs/Clubs | Online Wagering Licences |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | Star Sydney | Yes (~90,000) | No |
| VIC | Crown Melbourne | Yes (~27,000) | No |
| QLD | Multiple | Yes | No |
| SA | Adelaide Casino | Yes (~12,000) | No |
| WA | Crown Perth | No — casino only | No |
| TAS | Wrest Point, Country Club | Yes (~2,300) | No |
| ACT | None | Yes (~4,000) | No |
| NT | Mindil Beach, Lasseters | Yes | Yes — sports/racing only |