Legal online casino in Australia 2021

⚖️ The relationship between internet casinos and legal regulations

In theory, anyone can launch a casino in Australia provided they secure a license from the Minister of Finance. While the application process is open to all, actually receiving a license is another matter—a discrepancy unfolds due to numerous regulations regarding who can own a casino.

A significant amount of capital is essential, as the cost for a casino license in Australia is exorbitant; back in 2020, it was about 32 thousand AUD based on a percentage of a base amount set at AUD 5,140.74!

To lawfully establish an online casino in Australia, one must meet the prerequisites laid out in earlier sections of this text. Nevertheless, paying this hefty fee to the government doesn’t guarantee that you’ll actually receive a license. There are specific requirements for the casino owner as well.

1. For instance, the individual must operate the correct type of entity—such as a joint-stock company or a limited liability company.
2. The shares of the company must be owned by individuals from Australia, the EU, or EFTA, or by qualifying natural persons from those regions.
3. The shareholders must not be embroiled in any legal issues involving financial crimes like money laundering or terrorist financing.
4. Additionally, the company's capital needs to be at least a staggering AUD 4 million.

Moreover, anyone wishing to open a casino must provide documentation proving the legitimacy of every dollar deposited into their business.

While these prerequisites may seem daunting to enterprising individuals, they ultimately serve to protect players. After all, ensuring that casinos are not linked to organizations engaging in illicit activities is a shared concern.

As highlighted before, it’s the Minister of Finance who ultimately decides whether both land-based and online casinos can operate legally within the Australian jurisdiction. Whether a virtual casino can legally function on the Australian market hinges on this ministry's approval, in accordance with the existing laws. So, what precise online gambling activities require a license in Australia? Let’s break it down below.

️Legal online casino in Australia

Australia doesn’t take gambling lightly; indeed, the regulations here are often more stringent compared to various European jurisdictions. Thankfully, whether a casino is regarded as legal in Australia isn't solely determined by the Minister of Finance; it’s also governed by Australian legislation and European standards. What key legal documents play a role here?

Primarily, the Gambling Act of 2009 (officially enacted on November 19) is frequently updated, with notable amendments occurring in 2017. Critics claim the regulatory framework doesn’t favor casino operations, particularly as these amendments mainly impacted online platforms. It was decided that internet-based gaming would be legal, but only for casinos that comply with the stipulated legislative requirements. Prior to this, many online gambling venues operated in a legal grey area, leaving players at risk of scams and unfulfilled winnings.

The Act also introduced provisions for previously unregulated activities, filling gaps in the law. Since 2017, it has been clear which bookmakers may apply for the Minister’s license and which services necessitate approval. These encompass:

• Casino games , including machines and table games like roulette and blackjack,
• Poker
• Bingo
• Betting (both mutual and for sports/horse racing, including long-term betting).
• Lottery

Games reliant on skill fall outside the jurisdiction of this law; unfortunately, the ability to strategize in blackjack does not qualify as a skill under the Minister’s interpretation! The only fully legal online casino in Australia recognized by the ministry is the Total Casino operated by Totalizator Sportowy.

✔️European legal institutions

As previously noted, the Australian gaming market is subject to both national and European directives. So what observations does the EU have regarding gambling? Fundamentally, member nations have committed to upholding the principles of a unified market.

This implies that each country must facilitate an open market for businesses in other EU nations, ensuring they comply with identical rules as local firms. Consequently, the gambling act poses a challenge to the concept of free movement of services within the EU.

So, which entities are considered trustworthy and legal when it comes to casino operations within the EU? They won’t possess a concession granted by the Australian Ministry of Finance, so how can players identify them? Regulatory bodies in other EU nations—as well as non-EU territories like the UK—have designated agencies regulating the gambling sector. Licenses from these bodies signify that an online casino is legitimate and safe for players.

The most notable of these authorities are Malta’s MGA (Malta Gaming Authority) and the UK Gambling Commission.

Casinos displaying the logo of one of these regulatory bodies at the footer of their website (typically at the bottom of the page) have undergone thorough review and approval by these entities. Thus, EU residents can play there legally. However, concerning Australian legislation, the sole recognized online casino is the aforementioned Total Casino.

The casinos featured on our platform hold licenses from either the MGA or the UK Gambling Commission, assuring players that they are safeguarded by EU regulations regarding the rights and responsibilities of casino owners. Online casinos in Australia How can you tell if you've chosen a legitimate Australian casino?

A legal casino in Australia will provide the most favored payment options for Australian players, such as Trustly and various credit and debit cards, as well as other reliable methods like Ecopayz, Skrill, and Rapid, which we will discuss in more detail in later sections.

Games commissions and winning tax

Australian players have the flexibility to select legal online casinos located in other European countries, provided their local regulations permit it. Moreover, many foreign casinos now offer an Australian language version, making navigation much simpler.

When it comes to tax obligations for wins at legal casinos in Australia, how should this be handled? It’s straightforward when winnings are in AUD, as this keeps currency conversion issues at bay. Many foreign online casinos also permit play in AUD and don’t create complications for payments in this currency.

What portion of winnings should be designated for tax purposes? This varies depending on the specific casino and the game associated with the win. For instance: 12% for sports betting must be turned over to the tax office, calculated when the stake is purchased, categorically treated as a turnover tax, meaning it applies regardless of whether the player wins or loses in the end.

For various other gaming formats, the following tax rates apply:

1. 15% in the case of cash lottery
2. 20% for numerical games
3. 25% for winnings from bingo, lottery games, and organized poker tournaments;
4. 50% for slot machines, dice games, and card games;

Promotional platforms dedicated to gambling.

In contrast, playing distantly—like on an overseas casino—is governed by your home country’s laws. Thus, no taxes would be owed to the Australian Treasury since neither the player nor the gaming provider falls under Australian jurisdiction. Therefore, if you opt for a legal casino within the framework of European law, you won’t have to report your winnings in your annual tax filings.

So, how can one discover a reputable online casino in Australia in 2020 if they haven't encountered it through traditional media like TV or radio? Here's the thing: Australian laws strictly regulate promotions related to gambling activities, which includes both online and brick-and-mortar establishments.

Interestingly, even fully compliant casinos are not permitted to advertise on television or radio. The only exception involves sports betting advertisements that can air only during the late-night hours, specifically between 10 PM and 6 AM. Furthermore, print media cannot direct advertisements toward individuals under 18 years old, particularly for offers that could lead to attractive wins. Consequently, you won't see any legal Australian casinos showcasing their services during major sporting events or on local television networks.

❗Risk of playing in an illegal casino

What makes playing at an illegal casino so unappealing? For starters, it typically doesn’t pay out—aside from the chance that these unregulated online casinos could vanish with your wins or refuse to respond when you try to contact them. Moreover, should you actually win, you could find yourself in legal trouble. In such a scenario, you might have to 'share' your winnings with the government.

What kinds of penalties do players encounter if they violate Australian gambling laws? They could end up forfeiting their winnings and face financial penalties that can reach up to AUD 3 million. Although fines for players are often lower than the maximum ceiling, we sincerely believe it's not worth taking such a risk.

What should you consider when looking for a legal online casino in Australia? Fortunately, there are many trustworthy options available, and you can explore the selections we've compiled in this article to ensure a safe gaming experience. Our curated list features legitimate online casinos that allow you to play games without any registration and at no cost.

These free games serve as an excellent way to get familiar with the various offerings from different game providers, helping you discover which types of games suit your preferences best. That's why you can feel right at home on our website, where we specialize in showcasing legal casinos.

❔How do we rate online casinos

How do we ensure the online casinos we recommend are safe and trustworthy? To start, we verify their legitimacy by checking if the casinos possess the necessary licenses and certifications, as it's essential for any entity wishing to operate as a legal online gambling platform within Australia.

Once we confirm the legal standing of a casino, we then evaluate the ease of payment options and withdrawals, mobile compatibility, supported currencies, and the quality of their customer support. Naturally, we also look into the variety of games and attractive bonuses they offer, as these aspects matter significantly to players.

Licensing and fair business practices are paramount.

This point cannot be emphasized enough—online gaming legality is crucial. Our listings exclusively feature Australian online casinos that operate transparently and adhere to the law.

Legal online casinos in Australia as of 2020 must comply with the Gambling Act of 2009, which was updated in 2017, and additionally operate in line with EU laws. These casinos are subjected to rigorous checks for fairness and are licensed by recognized authorities such as the MGA, the UK Gambling Commission, and independent organizations like ECOGRA.

A variety of financing methods

Payment methods available at legal online casinos in Australia should be user-friendly and familiar. If you find a gambling portal offering unfamiliar payment options that require you to register on obscure foreign websites, it's a red flag that you may be dealing with a dubious casino.

The casinos that we endorse undergo scrutiny in this aspect as well. If a casino offers well-known and trusted payment methods for Australian players alongside the requisite licenses, we're more than happy to recommend them.

Supported portable devices

Many of the legal online casinos operating in Australia in 2020 feature dedicated mobile applications for smartphones and tablets, or they provide a mobile-optimized website. This is in response to the increasing desire among players for mobile gaming.

Australian players generally favor gaming on Android or iOS devices, including tablets and iPads. This isn't surprising at all—today's mobile devices are large enough to facilitate enjoyable gameplay, and game developers are continuously enhancing the quality of their titles for mobile platforms.

Available currencies

Typically, Australian casinos, including online ones, accept multiple currencies, and this practice is sensible. It caters to individuals residing overseas and users who might prefer using foreign currencies.

Our platform strives to accommodate all players and exclusively recommends online casinos that allow transactions in various currencies.

Customer service quality

Every legal online casino listed on our site undergoes thorough assessments concerning their customer service capabilities. The technical support at the casinos we suggest must be prompt, effective, and courteous—anything less is unacceptable.

We aim to resolve potential issues you may encounter at casinos swiftly, ensuring you can focus solely on the enjoyment that fair and legitimate Australian casinos provide.

Awards, bonuses and promotions

Bonuses at online casinos are truly our forte! We sift through options to help you discover the best platforms for registration and your gaming journey. The most enticing promotions typically apply to legal online gaming machines, though they aren't exclusive to them.

At launch, most casinos offer a so-called cashback incentive, which is generally a percentage based on your initial deposit. You can find free gaming salons on our site—just look around.

Choosing games

Of course, slot machines aren't the only offerings you'll find at legal online casinos in Australia. While they dominate the scene and are favored by more than two-thirds of players, these venues offer nearly every type of gambling game you can imagine.

Our goal is to navigate through this vast landscape of possibilities and recommend casinos that provide the most exciting games, the largest jackpots, and the most captivating tournaments. Trust our recommendations, and boredom will never be an option while gaming online.

The best software suppliers

Every Australian online casino featured on our platform sources its games from premier suppliers in the industry. By clicking on any logo, you can expect the best offerings from renowned manufacturers.

From well-known names like Microgaming and NetEnt, which have made quite a name for themselves, to established players like Playtech, the quality of games is top-notch. We vet all these providers to ensure they offer downloadable and instant-play options.

Security and protection

Your safety during your gaming experience is paramount to us, much like licensing. The casinos we've endorsed must hold security certifications that encrypt your personal information, ensuring complete protection.

The minimum security standard we require is encryption via SSL certification. We also look for additional certificates, like ECOGRA, and the presence of a trustworthy random number generator, which guarantees fair play.

VIP programs

It’s worth noting that not all casinos offer loyalty programs and VIP memberships. Therefore, when we evaluate legal online casinos in Australia, we aim to feature only those that are most generous.

The appealing rewards for regular players, along with promotions, lotteries, and well-funded tournaments, are significant factors to consider if you're planning on investing your time and money. We thoroughly evaluate VIP programs to bring you only the most beneficial options!

Play for free

Whether at online casinos or on our platform, you often have the opportunity to play for free, sometimes without any registration needed. These free games are demo versions of the slots. Naturally, there’s a cap on the number of games available to try without cost—you can’t play everything for free. Live casino .

However, numerous bonuses and promotions available directly on virtual casino sites can certainly enhance your experience, and we ensure to keep you updated about them on our platform.

Payments for Australian players

As we've highlighted previously, every legal casino enables players to make payments in a safe and efficient manner. You should not be pressured into using payment methods that involve hefty fees or require interactions with unfamiliar foreign financial intermediaries. Below, you’ll find out which payment methods are considered the safest standard.

Moreover, you should have the ability to deposit under conditions that are agreeable to both yourself and the casino. On our website, you’ll encounter legal online casinos accepting payments in AUD, as well as those operating with US and Canadian dollars, Swedish or Norwegian crowns, euros, Swiss francs, and even Russian rubles!

Pre-paid card

One of our favorite payment methods is also one of the safest. It is entirely anonymous, free of charge, and easy to use. We're talking about the Paysafecard, which you can buy much like you would top up a mobile phone—it’s that simple. You can find this card at local shops or purchase it online, allowing you to stay cozy at home.

What’s remarkable about Paysafecard is that it can also be utilized for various online transactions, ensuring that any leftover balance won't go to waste. A reputable online casino should definitely offer this payment option, as it’s not just convenient but increasingly favored among internet users.

What makes Paysafecard so appealing? Unlike a traditional bank card, it is completely detached from your personal data, ensuring your anonymity. You simply purchase the card, enter the code on the casino website, and voilà! The funds are instantly transferred to the casino, letting you dive into the gaming action.

VISA / MasterCard

While using a debit or credit card for transactions in online casinos remains a choice for many, it’s starting to feel a bit old-fashioned. This method lacks anonymity, and misuse could potentially expose your sensitive information to cybercriminals.

Though instances of such breaches are rare, it's wise to avoid unnecessary risks in today's digital landscape, especially with a wide array of secure and efficient alternatives available.

Certain players feel confident when they opt for a reputable online casino and choose to pay with their bank cards. Their familiarity with this method gives them peace of mind regarding their data security. It also simplifies the process by eliminating the need for additional accounts on third-party platforms, making transactions swift and hassle-free.

Most online casinos still allow payments via Visa or MasterCard, alongside Maestro on occasion, making this a suitable option for newcomers in the gaming scene.

E-portfolios by e-portfel

This payment option proves to be a preferred choice for those who frequently play at authorized online casinos in Australia, especially for individuals unwilling to invest extra time registering for e-Wallets. But what exactly are these digital wallets all about?

Essentially, an e-Wallet functions as an online wallet where you can keep your digital funds, which are equivalent to real money. Its interface often mirrors that of a contemporary banking site, displaying a transaction history that enables you to both make payments and receive funds from various sources, like deposits from legitimate online casinos.

This payment method is highly regarded for online services due to its swift transaction speeds and low costs. E-Wallets can hold multiple currencies, making transactions across different currencies both practical and beneficial. Plus, electronic transfers happen instantly and with a degree of anonymity.

Typically, e-Wallet accounts operate independently of personal bank accounts, though PayPal is a notable exception. This means you can send money without linking it directly to your primary bank account, which is often regarded as one of your most valuable assets. However, transferring funds to users or institutions outside of the e-Wallet platform might come with extra fees or careful scrutiny.

Legal land-based casinos in Australia

For these physical casinos, establishing one involves certain prerequisites, including the payment of a concession fee as mentioned earlier, along with adherence to further regulations outlined below.

The location is a crucial factor when determining whether a casino license will be granted. The legal framework stipulates a maximum number of casinos permitted in cities with varying populations, specifically one for cities with up to 250,000 residents and an additional license for every extra 250,000 residents afterward, as well as one for each complete 650,000 people in the provinces.

Thus, a new physical casino can only be established if an existing venue in that area ceases operations, assuming one is already in place.

You can find officially recognized land-based casinos in Australia, notably in Warsaw with establishments like the Mercure Grand, Mariot, Hilton, and Victoria Sofitel. Other locations include Galeria Altus in Katowice, multiple hotels in Poznań and Szczecin, and others across Lublin, Krakow, and beyond.

The list of legal ground casinos also includes the one at the Grand Sofitel in Sopot, at various hotels in Płock, Sosnowiec, Toruń, Bydgoszcz, Kielce, Gdańsk, Wrocław, and in Łódź within the Manufaktura area.