Australian Casinos

Participating in online gambling is a widespread pastime in “the Land Down Under”, backed by various statistics indicating that over 2 million Australians are reportedly engaging in interactive casino games regularly.

• Best Online Casinos
• Legislation
• FAQ
• Deposit Methods
• Credit and Debit Cards
• E-Wallets
• Prepaid Banking Options
• Online Banking
• Mobile Billing
• Popular Games and Live Dealers
• Video Slots
• Table Games
• Video Poker
• Specialty Games
• Live Dealer Games

Gambling in Australia is regulated at both state and federal levels, with no overarching gambling authority. Similar to the models established in the US and Canada, Australia’s eight mainland states and territories regulate the gambling industry locally. The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC), for instance, is the state government office in control of the gambling industry within the territory of Victoria.

As per Australian laws, the federal government is empowered to regulate, among other things, telecommunications, money, and trade between the states and territories. There are three regulatory bodies, with the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) being responsible for media and communications regulations, the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) in charge of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing activities, and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) in control of consumer protection laws.

Australian players were quick to recognize the advantages online casinos have to offer. Established gambling operators typically work with various commonly used currencies, allowing them to process their deposits and withdrawals in Australian dollars (AU$). On that note, iGaming fans from this jurisdiction can choose from a variety of Australia-friendly payment solutions to boost their online casino accounts.

Stay with us to learn more about Australia’s top-performing online casino operators, legislation, popular banking methods, games, and more.

Best Online Casinos for Australian Players

There is a staggering number of web-based casinos that accept registrations from Australia and New Zealand. In order to help Australian players make a better-informed decision when choosing where to play, we have narrowed down our list to 30 of the most reliable online gambling operators they can register with. Each online casino is well-known in the industry for its timely and fair payouts, diverse gaming library, friendly and efficient customer service, flexible payment methods, and secure transactions.

As online gambling is a fast-growing sector in Australia, the number of casinos to welcome players from this country has increased dramatically in the past few years. In order to further players’ convenience and help them make a well-informed choice, we have sifted out 30 of the most reputable web-based casinos to accept gambling enthusiasts from Australia. Our selection is based on several essential criteria, including gaming diversity, software, transparency, mobile compatibility, fair and quick payouts, and the efficiency of the customer support provided.

As we know, all players appreciate hefty bonuses and love participating in various promotional incentives. Australians are hardly an exception, so we have ensured all 30 Australia-friendly casinos we have reviewed below treat their players to lucrative bonuses and promotions.

Legislation

Casino Deposit Methods

Games & Live Dealers

Best Australian Casinos

Legislation

One of the most pressing questions less experienced Australian players have on their minds is whether online gambling is legal in the territory of their country. While there is no law to explicitly state that Australians are prohibited from partaking in online gambling activities, some government restrictions do exist.

In 2001, the Australian Commonwealth Parliament introduced the so-called Interactive Gambling Act (IGA) in an attempt to protect vulnerable residents of the country from the allegedly harmful effects of interactive gambling. This decision was later backed up by statistics that indicated Australians spend collectively almost $1 billion on online gambling per year. Also, according to a 2010 report by Nielsen Internet and Technology, one-third of Australian residents over the age of 16 have engaged in online gambling activities.

It should be noted that the IGA targets predominantly the offshore operators offering online gambling services and not the players themselves. Thus, offshore casino operators were prohibited from openly advertising and providing real-money interactive gambling services to players, domiciled in Australia.

Since the IGA does not explicitly state it is illegal for Australians to gamble on the web, many residents of the country have opened accounts at offshore online casinos, headquartered and regulated in jurisdictions where gambling on the web is legal.

The Interactive Gambling Amendment Bill was passed by the Australian Senate as of August 2017 and was enforced in September 2017. This is bad news for players from Down Under as this piece of legislation enforces a ban on unlicensed online gambling services throughout the country. To make things worse, the current legislation does not specify what criteria offshore gambling operators must meet if they wish to apply for a local license to enter the Australian market legally.

Despite the introduction of the new legal framework, the Australian authorities have not yet started blocking the ISPs of foreign gambling operators. Following the news of the Bill’s passing, some of the biggest providers of online poker products, like PokerStars, withdrew their services from Australia. Some of the most popular online gambling operators in the world, including 32Red, 888 Holdings, and Vera&John even made their exit from the Australian market before the Senate officially signed the Bill into law.

The passing of the Bill enables the Australian authorities to take more rigid actions against unlicensed foreign gambling operators. Under the Bill’s provisions, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is able to issue warnings and violation notices as well as impose penalties on the violators. The purpose of all this is to prevent illegal gambling operators from exploiting the loopholes in the previous set of laws pertaining to interactive gambling.

This will also deter unlicensed operators from targeting vulnerable players, a massive problem according to the Australian Minister for Human Services, Alan Tudge, whose claims were backed up by research results that indicated 2.70% of Aussie online casino players develop a compulsive gambling problem.

Aussie players, however, can still access offshore-based gambling websites and register without facing any repercussions. Many casino fans from Australia argue that the Gambling Amendment Bill will do little to thwart the growing problem with compulsive gambling in their homeland. Even more so, considering that many problem gamblers already have access to the real-money games offered in landbased venues and at the locally licensed gambling websites.

FAQ

Deposit Methods

Australian players can hardly complain of lack of options when it comes to depositing at their preferred online casinos. When it comes to funding their online casino accounts, Aussies can use a variety of convenient methods, including their credit/debit cards, digital wallets, online banking processors, mobile billing and prepaid deposit solutions. All reliable Australia-friendly gambling operators keep their customers safe from harm by utilizing the best Secure Socket Layer (SSL) digital encryptions. SSL is a state-of-the-art security system which is also used by the largest financial institutions, including banks in the Land Down Under.

Thus, all sensitive information from the casinos’ websites is jumbled up by the encryption, which renders it impossible for the information to be decoded by hackers and fraudsters even if they manage to gain access to it. Additionally, all banking services providers the online casinos work with use their own security systems to prevent customers’ privacy from being compromised.

The deposits at Aussie-friendly interactive casinos are usually processed in real-time and the costs are covered by the gambling operators themselves, at least in the majority of cases. Cashing out is typically less swift due to the verification procedures each online casino withdrawal is subjected to. The money normally ends up in players’ banking accounts within several business days.

Credit and Debit Cards

Credit/debit cards by Visa, Maestro, and MasterCard are commonly used deposit methods, accepted by an impressive number of gambling operators that welcome players from the land Down Under. This is anything but shocking considering that Aussies use their cards to pay for as much as 60% of their online purchases.

The benefit of using your card to boost your online casino balance results from the fact you are immediately granted access to your gambling money as the funds are transferred instantly to your casino account. Some of the biggest card issuers in the world, Visa and MasterCard included, have adopted the so-called Zero Liability Policies to prevent illicit and unauthorized transactions.

Debit and credit cards are widely preferred by Aussie interactive gamblers due to the sheer ease of use they provide them with. Depositing with a card could not be any easier since all players need to do is select their cards’ brand in the cashier, input its number, CVV and expiry date, and confirm the payment. The money will be at their disposal in a flash.

Furthermore, cards are frequently accepted for withdrawals as well. Players are not required to enter their cards’ details each time they initiate a payment since the system will remember their details after the first transaction. Moreover, most online casinos return the withdrawals to the same method used for the deposits so if the player has used their Visa or MasterCard, their winnings will be returned to the same card automatically.

E-Wallets

Using e-wallets is also a suitable, secure and quick way for Australian residents to boost their online casino balance. PayPal, which has been dubbed “the grandfather of all digital wallets” is also an option for players from Australia. This method is very convenient and easy to use, not to mention it provides players with an overview of how much they have spent, how much they have received and from whom.

The majority of interactive gamblers from the country prefer to use the services of two of the most popular e-wallets in the world, Neteller and Skrill despite the fact these two options entail larger service and maintenance fees. On the positive side of things, both e-wallets are supported in a huge number of countries and work with a massive variety of currencies, AU$ included, which is to say you will not incur additional fees for conversion. EcoPayz is yet another wallet gamblers from the country can use. This e-wallet is accepted by most casinos that are friendly to customers from this jurisdiction.

All four of the above-mentioned methods require a registration. However, this is but a minuscule setback since the process takes only a minute or two to complete. Once they have set up their accounts, players need to load some money into their new e-wallets, which can be achieved by linking them to a card or a bank account. Neteller and Skrill accounts can also be topped up by a variety of alternatives including other digital wallets, online banking, standard bank transfers, and prepaid solutions like Paysafecard. One of the biggest advantages e-wallets can offer is the increased level of security.

When one is depositing with Neteller or Skrill, for instance, they are not expected to disclose any sensitive information. All they need to do is enter their wallets’ account ID (or email) and security code, without having to disclose any banking details in the process. In addition, the transactions are fee-free.

On the downside, some online casinos do not allow Skrill and Neteller deposits to activate the bonuses on offer. However, this happens on rare occasions only as most online gambling operators recognize how popular these two methods are among international players.

Prepaid Banking Options

Many players opt for depositing via prepaid methods, largely due to the fact they minimize the risks of overspending and help preserve their anonymity. Virtual prepaid Visa cards like those provided by Entropay are especially popular since they are easy to use – all players need to do is visit the official site of Entropay and create their virtual Visa cards in several easy steps. The funds are transferred to the card and it is ready to use for the purposes of online gambling. These cards are disposable but if they wish, players can reload them with more money and use them repeatedly.

Prepaid vouchers by Paysafecard are an option since they enable Australian players to fund their casino accounts without disclosing any sensitive information, regarding their banking details. In their essence, Paysafecards are vouchers which can be purchased either online or at one of 600,000 landbased outlets throughout the world.

Each voucher has a unique PIN code consisting of 16 digits. It is this code that Aussie players must enter when initiating a deposit at an online casino. One and the same code can be used repeatedly until the entire balance of the voucher is depleted. Once you spend the entire amount of the voucher, you dispose of it and that’s it. Prepaid Paysafecards are available in several amounts – AU$10, AU$20, AU$50, and AU$100. If players want to deposit a larger amount into their online casino accounts, they can buy several vouchers and combine their PIN codes.

Flexepin is also a prepaid voucher Australian players can conveniently use to top up their casino accounts. The method works in the same manner Paysafecard does. Australian players simply need to buy a Flexepin voucher from their local retailer, select it as their preferred deposit method in the cashier section, and enter the voucher’s PIN code.

It should be noted that methods like Paysafecard and Flexepin are suitable for deposits only – since these are prepaid banking solutions, they are not supported for withdrawals. Both prepaid solutions protect players’ privacy and allow them to boost their casino balance without sharing any personal or banking information in the process.

Online Banking

Online banking is considered one of the most popular ways of depositing at Australia-friendly casinos. Aussie players can log into their online banking accounts from their desktop or mobile devices and initiate deposits directly through the platforms of the banks they hold accounts at. Another option is to use the services of third-party payment processors, based on online banking. They act as mediators between the player’s bank and the bank of the online casino they have registered at.

When a deposit is initiated with the services of one such intermediary, the player is transferred to the online banking log-in page of their bank where they must enter their credentials and approve the money transfer. Of course, one needs to have a bank account with a financial institution that is associated with the respective third-party payment processor in order to deposit.

Two of the most fitting online banking methods for players from Australia, in particular, are POLi and BPAY. POLi is an online payment solution which allows players to transfer funds safely and efficiently as long as they have online banking accounts with one of the associated financial institutions. Presently, there are 15 Australian banks and 7 New Zealand banks that are associated with POLi.

BPAY is based on the same principle. When using it for deposits, players need to enter their BPAY code and their customer reference number. The method is available throughout Australia and is associated with some of the leading banking institutions in the country. It is accepted by over 45,000 merchants and companies in the Land Down Under. The method is also accessible on mobile devices which makes it the perfect option for Aussies who enjoy gaming on the go.

As far as transaction fees are concerned, BPAY itself does not charge its customers for their money transfers. However, since the latter are practically carried out via the associated banks’ online banking platforms, players are recommended to get in touch with their financial institutions and enquire for more details on their charges.

It should be noted that some Australia-friendly online casinos may not support these two methods for withdrawals. In such cases, players’ winnings are returned via cheques or standard bank transfers. Other than that, this method of payment is a viable option for high-rollers as it allows for transfers of larger amounts.

Mobile Billing

Depositing via mobile billing services is growing in popularity among Australian players, with Payforit and Boku being two of the most commonly preferred options. The method may be relatively new, especially when compared to Visa, MasterCard, Neteller, and Skrill, for example. Still, an increasing number of online gambling operators recognize the flexibility and security it offers, so they add it to their list of supported banking options.

Depositing with Payforit and Boku is exceptionally easy – you select the method, if available in the cashier, input the amount you want to deposit, enter your mobile number, and approve the transaction. Payforit will even send you a text message to confirm your deposit. The deposited money will be added to your monthly mobile bill which is why this method is more suitable for players from the lower betting spectrum. You cannot deposit large amounts of money through mobile billing services.

Another disadvantage of using this payment solution for online gambling is that the casinos cannot return your withdrawals this way and you will have to search for an alternative method when cashing out. Both methods are instant, very cost-effective, and allow for anonymous payments.

Popular Games and Live Dealers

Online casinos that are friendly to customers from Australia offer hundreds of world-class games, ranging from video slots and video poker to numerous variations of iconic games like roulette, craps, baccarat, blackjack, and casino poker.

Those who lack the needed experience to play games requiring knowledge, strategy, and skills are provided with the option to engage in the so-called “specialties”. These are lottery-style games like Keno and bingo which are based on sheer chance. The virtual casino games impress with their rather high-quality in terms of visuals, gameplay, and audio. The games in Australia-friendly casinos are courtesy of some of the leading providers of up-scale gambling software in the world, including Microgaming, RealTime Gaming (RTG), Play’n GO, Playtech, and Betsoft. Australians can enjoy the games in instant play, download or mobile format.

Video Slots

Video slots, or “pokies” as the locals call them, are hugely popular among Australia’s population and some would even say they have become somewhat of a national game in the country. Statistics pretty much speak for themselves. A study conducted by the Australian Gaming Machine Manufacturers Association (AGMMA) revealed that the country has as much as 2.40% of the landbased slot machines in the world. There are 200,000 pokie machines in Australia alone, which translates into one machine for every 114 citizens. So it makes sense that the demand for this game of chance is extremely high in Australia.

Many web-based gambling operators strive to meet this demand by providing Australian players with an extensive range of online slots. It matters not whether one is looking for a classic spinning experience on the 3-reel fruit machines or prefers more advanced slots with enhanced graphics and extra features. Either way, Aussie-friendly casinos offer exhaustive selections of both.

The games in the 243 and 1024 Ways-to-Win format are quite popular since they offer improved odds at collecting a payout. In addition, modern slot variations are loaded with lucrative features like bonus games and special wild and scattered symbols which further boost one’s chances of scooping up a payout. There is a wild diversity of themes and each slot game has a distinctive style and appearance.

Many pokie fans from Australia shoot for the big prizes available on progressive slots. These games are linked in a network shared by many casinos powered by the same software, with a percentage of all bets going towards the pooled jackpots. Popular titles in this category include Microgaming’s Mega Moolah and Playtech’s Jackpot Giant.

As the titles are courtesy of some of the most respected software developers in the industry, players can rest assured the graphics, animations, and sound effects will be on par with their highest expectations. Slot fans from Australia will be able to enjoy hundreds of premium pokies at the online casinos we have reviewed below.

Table Games

Although Aussie gamblers are keen on spinning the reels of pokies, Australia-friendly casinos also offer a healthy range of classic card and table games for those looking to diversify their betting sessions a tiny notch.

Australian fans of traditional table games have plenty to be excited about as the gaming libraries of renowned online casinos are home to first-rate staples like roulette, baccarat, craps, poker, and blackjack. These are available in multiple variations. Fans of the game of 21 can enjoy exciting variants like Double Exposure, Perfect Pairs, Atlantic City Blackjack, and Blackjack Switch. Many of the variations allow for playing multiple hands (usually up to five) simultaneously.

Roulette fans will not be let down, either. They can try classics like the European, French, and American varieties of the iconic games of chance. Players looking for something out of the ordinary get the chance to try less standard options like Multi-Wheel Roulette – there are six-wheel and eight-wheel variants by Playtech and Microgaming. Playtech has also developed one interesting variation called Pinball Roulette, which combines elements of the arcade game and the classic casino mainstay.

Players who insist on engaging in a game that requires skills can try one of the many casino poker variations, with Caribbean Stud, Casino Hold’em, Tri Card Poker, Pai Gow, and Texas Hold’em being only some of the numerous options. The games run on certified Random Number Generators so gamblers can rest assured the cards are dealt on an arbitrary principle.

There are plenty of variations to choose from, not to mention the games stand out with authentic graphics and ambient sound effects you can expect to hear in landbased gambling venues. Betting limits are flexible and there are variations to suit all players’ bankroll sizes.

Video Poker

Players can also engage in a comprehensive range of video poker variations. This type of game is based on five-draw poker, but is easier to play, which makes it suitable for both newbies and experienced poker enthusiasts. That being said, video poker calls for a certain level of skill. Players can extract more value from the game if they incorporate a suitable strategy during their sessions.

Australia-friendly casinos are home to comprehensive video poker sections where you can find some of the most popular variations of the game along with less standard options. Commonly played titles include Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, Tens or Better, Aces and Faces, All American Poker, and Double Bonus Poker. Some interactive casinos powered by RealTime Gaming offer interesting variants like Loose Deuces and Sevens Wild. You can play one hand at a time or commit with more money by choosing the multi-hand mode where a separate bet is staked on each hand in play.

Specialty Games

Australian players who are still new to gambling but wish to try their luck online are provided with a wide choice of specialty games. These require no skill to play as they rely on chance only. Scratchcards belong to this category along with a variety of bingo games where players collect payouts upon completing different bingo patterns. Apart from that, there is the option to play the number game Keno, which resembles bingo in that players need to select numbers and are paid out in accordance with how many of their selections are called.

Live Dealer Games

Australian players are given an opportunity to taste the authentic atmosphere of the casino floor from the comfort of their own homes. Most Australia-friendly casinos also have dedicated live games sections with tables serviced by flesh-and-blood dealers in real time. The sections feature classic games like blackjack, baccarat, roulette, and casino poker.

The games are broadcast in excellent quality and add a social element to one’s gaming since players can usually communicate with each other and the dealers. You type in what you have to say in the chat box and the dealers would respond to you verbally. In most instances, the live-dealer software at Australia-friendly casinos is provided by developer Evolution Gaming.

Blackjack

Roulette

Baccarat

Slots

Poker

Video Poker

Craps

Deposit Methods