Australia has a long history of legalized gaming, with forms such as lotteries, race betting terminals, and slot machines (pokies) being permitted since the late 1800s. However, casinos were not allowed until 1973, and online gaming regulations were only formalized in 2001 with the Interactive Gambling Act (IGA). In this article, we will explore the minimum legal gambling age in Australia, what forms of gambling are legal and available, popular Australian casinos, and the regulations surrounding underage gambling.
Minimum Legal Age: 18
The minimum age for all forms of gaming in Australia is set at 18. This includes lotteries, bingo, sports betting, pari-mutuel wagering, and casino wagering. Since gaming is considered an adult activity, laws and rules related to gaming align with common drinking laws, voting laws, and the ability to be prosecuted by law.
Legal Forms of Gambling
Several forms of gambling are legal and available in Australia, including:
- Casinos: With pokies, table games, poker, and virtual poker machines.
- Bingo
- Lotteries
- Sports betting
- Race betting
- Domestic online sports betting and racebook sites
- 18+ offshore online casino and poker sites (with a dual license provided by Australian regulators and from a respected jurisdiction outside of the nation's borders)
However, in-play betting is strictly prohibited, as well as accessing domestic casino and poker sites.
Popular Australian Casinos
There are several popular Australian casino venues for 18-year-olds to enjoy, including:
- Adelaide Casino
- Casino Canberra
- Country Club Casino
- Crown Casino and Entertainment Complex
- Crown Perth
- Crown Sydney
- Jupiter's Hotel and Casino
- Lasseter's Hotel Casino
- Sky City Darwin
- The Star Casino
Regulations
The Australian government regulates gaming through a combination of federal and state-based agencies, including:
- Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA)
- Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC)
- Australian Federal Police (AFP)
Penalty for Underage Gambling
Anyone under the age of 18 engaged in gaming will be prosecuted, which may result in fines and court-ordered measures such as care and control, supervision, and assessment orders.
****, the minimum legal gambling age in Australia is 18, and there are several forms of legalized gaming available to adults. However, it's important for individuals to note that underage gambling is illegal and may result in serious consequences. It's also important to remember that some forms of gaming, such as in-play betting and accessing domestic casino and poker sites, are strictly prohibited.
Resources
For those who need help with problem gambling, there are several resources available:
- Lifeline – Problem Gambling Services
- Gambling Help – Online Counseling Services