In a land-based context, the Victorian regulator has been particularly active in targeting underage gambling in pubs and clubs in particular – a practice that is illegal in all Australian jurisdictions. Further, the ACMA has also been very active in engaging with overseas regulators and other parties concerning the illegal offering of online gambling products in Australia. At a federal level and in relation to anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing compliance, a large Australian gambling company paid a civil penalty of AUS $45 million to AUSTRAC in relation to admitted breaches of the AML/CTF Act. At the time of writing, casino licensees in NSW and Qld have been deemed unsuitable to hold the licences issued in those jurisdictions. Material proceedings have been taken by gambling and financial sector regulators against major licensees in recent times. Enforcement action by the ACMA is also likely to continue following the implementation of various legislative changes, including in relation to illegal gambling sites and following the recent commencement of the NSER.
How will I meet the RGO rules and ensure my staff get to take rest and meal breaks? The firm ensures compliance with federal and state regulations by assisting clients in obtaining advertising approvals and reviewing content for compliance with advertising laws. State and territory licensees are expected to have appropriate controls in place to ensure that they comply with their licence obligations, including relevant laws and any conditions attaching to their licence. Retail Wagering Operators, Corporate Bookmakers and On-course Bookmakers are also required to pay race field fees/product fees to racing controlling bodies and sports controlling bodies, respectively, in relation to bets taken on their product. A state or territory licence is typically required to operate a bingo centre in the relevant jurisdiction. There are also various subordinate legislative instruments, including regulations, which have not been included. He said Australia needed to do more to regulate gambling, including limiting online gambling ads. "If we look at harm, 15 per cent of people experienced gambling harm in the past 12 months and that is up from 11 per cent in 2019."
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) oversees advertising compliance and addresses illegal offshore gambling. In Australia, gambling compliance requirements vary by state or territory and by the type of gambling service offered. Due to the nature of gambling and its potential risks, it is crucial for operators to comply with regulations designed to protect consumers and promote responsible gambling. The rise in online gambling can be attributed to the convenience of mobile apps and online betting platforms, along with aggressive advertising. A recent study found that 11% of Australians engaged in online gambling over the past six months, an increase from 8% in 2020. Online gambling in Australia has experienced a significant shift away from traditional venue-based options in the last few years.
What Are The New Gambling Laws In Australia?
It is essential to recognize that the impact of gambling harm is not solely limited to the financial losses incurred but extends to emotional and psychological well-being. Offering resources such as self-exclusion programs, helplines, and counseling services can further support individuals in maintaining control over their gambling habits. Self-exclusion tools empower individuals to take control and limit participation, while tailored support services provide assistance in managing gambling behavior. It’s essential to address the impact of gambling harm on individuals, families, and communities, which can lead to financial, relationship, and mental health issues. This would only likely occur where the RGO role is being fulfilled by the most senior person on shift at the venue (for example the Duty Manager) or where the venue is only being staffed by 1 staff member. This would only occur where the RGO role is being fulfilled by the most senior person at the venue (for example, the club secretary or hotel licensee) or the venue is only being staffed by 1 staff member. When the staff member/s who are on RGO duties need to take breaks, someone else with ARCG training can take over for the duration of the break. In a venue with less than 21 Gaming Machine Entitlements, who is required to do Advanced Responsible Conduct of Gambling training?
Existing staff can be an RGO, provided they meet the requirements of the role. ARCG can also be completed virtually via video-conference, which makes the course accessible to people across the state. If an RGO believes a venue isn’t following harm minimisation rules or is stopping them from doing their job, they can report it to Liquor & Gaming NSW. But if you’re not using all your entitlements (for example, you have permission for 300 machines but only run 50), you might be able to apply for a variation to have fewer RGOs. Responsible Gambling Officers (RGOs) help NSW venues meet legal obligations by monitoring gaming areas, supporting staff, and reducing gambling harm. The Act also introduced a “black‑list” of offshore operators that fail to cooperate with Australian financial institutions, effectively cutting off their payment channels.
Lotteries Commission
These measures include age thunder empire pokies game verification processes, self-exclusion programs, and limits on advertising to minimize potential harm from gambling activities. Australia enforces thorough regulatory measures to oversee the gambling industry and promote responsible gambling practices among operators and players. Peer support groups are also a valuable resource, offering individuals the opportunity to connect with others who are facing similar challenges and share their experiences in a supportive setting. These counselors can work with individuals to develop strategies for managing urges to gamble, coping with financial difficulties, and rebuilding relationships affected by gambling. Additionally, face-to-face counseling sessions with experienced therapists are available for those seeking more personalized support. By utilizing this tool, individuals can break the cycle of compulsive gambling and prevent further financial and emotional distress. Self-exclusion tools empower individuals to take control of their gambling behavior by voluntarily excluding themselves from gambling venues or online platforms for a specified period.
The firm’s team comprises senior professionals with experience in top-tier law firms, executive roles within major wagering and gaming operators, and senior positions at one of the Big Four advisory firms. Prior to joining Senet, Alexander was part of the Solicitors Assisting the Royal Commission into the Management of Police Informants (Lawyer X), where he worked under intense pressure on a range of intricate legal and procedural issues. He supports both domestic and international organisations in navigating complex regulatory frameworks and establishing compliance-driven cultures. At Tabcorp, she served as Deputy General Counsel – Wagering and Media, advising on major strategic initiatives including the integration of two ASX-listed entities, regulatory investigations and responsible gambling programs. Prior to that, he was a lawyer in the Corporate team at Herbert Smith Freehills, advising highly regulated clients across a range of corporate, regulatory and commercial matters. He is an experienced Australian lawyer and trusted adviser, specialising in gambling law and regulation. Prior to this, he worked in the M&A team at King & Wood Mallesons and held several senior positions at major law firms across Australia and Europe, predominantly advising highly regulated clients, including those in the gambling sector.
Definitions And Key Terms
State and territory lotteries engage in pooling arrangements pursuant to what is known as ‘bloc agreements’, under which jackpots are pooled, making the customer offering more attractive. Retail operations are typically conducted using authorised agents and licensing distribution arrangements. Casino table gaming and gaming machines, Retail Wagering, lotteries and keno all require an operator licence, which is typically long-dated and is granted by the relevant Australian state or territory. 2.1 What regulatory licences, permits, authorisations or other official approvals (collectively, “Licences”) are required for the lawful offer of the Relevant Products to persons located in your jurisdiction? Set out below is a list of the primary legislation governing gaming, betting, lotteries and social/skill arrangements for each Australian state/territory, as well as at the federal level.
The number of licences available are limited and there are typically only one per state and territory (except in the case of current casino licences held in each of Qld, NT and NSW, the two recently issued Vic keno licences, and potentially for new wagering licences) and the processes are very infrequent. Casino licences can typically only be applied for through a competitive tender process run by the relevant state or territory. Any applicant for a licence is generally required to undergo a probity assessment to determine whether such applicant is ‘fit and proper’ to be granted a licence. There is co-mingling of state and territory totalisator pools through pooling arrangements, with three Australian totalisator pools currently in existence. A casino licence permits the relevant casino to typically offer traditional table games and gaming machines. Gaming machine and other equipment manufacturers, software developers and technical services suppliers selling products and/or services used for gambling-related activities are also required to hold a relevant licence.
Young people, aged 18 to 24, were nearly twice as likely to be at high risk of harm, compared to other age groups. Gambling harm included stress, borrowing money, skipping meals or selling things to fund gambling. Ms Rishworth said the new taglines were one of "many steps" to address online gambling. It is accepting submissions of recommendations from people and organisations until November 11. There is currently a House of Representatives standing committee inquiry into online gambling and its impacts on those experiencing gambling harm. Mr Wilkie also wants to see online gambling companies linked in real time so when a gambler reaches their daily limit they can not swipe to another app and run up a hefty total. More than 800 people were consulted on the new taglines, which were evidence-based and "shown to work", Ms Rishworth said.
That ensures you can keep betting as an enjoyable pastime rather than a stressful habit. Many experienced punters emphasise the mantra “Bet with your head, not over it,” which captures the heart of responsible gambling. For instance, you might notice pop-ups reminding you how long you’ve been logged in or offering “reality checks” if you’re on a long betting session. All legitimate bookmakers in Australia must provide tools that help you control your betting activity—like deposit limits, self-exclusion and immediate links to helplines. Responsible gambling involves betting in a way that keeps the fun factor intact while avoiding financial, emotional or social harm.
The RGC team works alongside operators and regulators to ensure the right safeguards are in place to promote safer gambling in our communities. Some platforms have introduced “reality checks,” where players are periodically reminded of the time they have spent gaming and their spending habits. For example, the use of AI-powered chatbots that provide real-time feedback to players about their gambling habits is gaining traction. Global trends are shaping how operators, regulators, and players approach responsible gaming. Automated monitoring allows operators to intervene early, offering resources and tools to players before their behavior escalates into a more serious issue. This prevents underage gaming and helps track players’ gaming history to identify any signs of problematic behavior. Reliable identity verification systems work to guarantee that players are who they claim to be, and that they are legally allowed to gamble.
In a move that’s shaking up the online casino world, new responsible gambling rules are rolling out across Aussie markets in 2025. They're pushing the envelope with innovative strategies to ensure fun stays in the game. But it's not just about throwing information at players. The focus is on educating players about the risks of gambling, understanding odds, and learning strategies to gamble responsibly. These tools are designed to be transparent and user-centric, ensuring that players can gamble within their means without feeling the pinch. Casinos are now integrating features allowing players to set deposit, loss, and wager limits. The key here is the automation and simplicity of the process, which respects the player's autonomy while providing a crucial safety net. This isn't just about stopping play; it's about giving individuals the power to control their gambling habits before they spiral out of control.
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