Can you play PokerStars in Australia?

And they all have tools you can use to help control how much you spend on gambling. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is the primary enforcement body responsible for monitoring compliance and addressing violations of the IGA by overseas providers. ACMA has the power to block illegal offshore gambling websites, impose civil penalties, and notify border protection agencies to disrupt the activities of offending operators. It also collaborates with international regulators to combat illegal gambling operations. You can complain to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) if you find believe an online website is offering illegal gambling services.

Founded by poker players in 2014, our main goal is to deliver the latest poker news from around the world, with an emphasis on the Asian market. We cover live news from tournaments, interviews with top players, and guides on local poker regulations, venues, and services. We also offer exclusive welcome bonuses & rakeback deals to our loyal readers. However, because of the intrinsic popularity of gaming in the country, legislation has been very watchful of problems caused by gambling. There are said to be between 80,000 to 160,000 Australian gambling addicts, costing about $4.7 billion annually to society.

When looking at a new poker room look for features like Automatic Re-Buys, Auto Top-Up’s and Preferred Seating. My team of adept poker reviewers have played on and tested every poker site from my list, to find you the best Hold’em, Omaha, 7-card Stud, and Razz poker action on the web, along with the most lucrative bonus rewards for players. Before we proceed, I would like to present to you my exclusive list of the best Australian poker sites. This list was created after a detailed assessment of every poker site that accepts Australia-based residents.

Nitrogen Sports

• Let’s explore more about what makes it one of the top poker sites in Australia.
• The state and/or territory taxes that apply to gambling products depend upon the relevant licence under which the product is being offered, the type of product and also the jurisdiction in which the product is offered.
• Outstanding bonuses, an extensive array of games, and a plethora of payment methods on offer — these are just a few qualities that make these places a must-visit destination for every poker aficionado from Australia.
• By bringing online poker under the control of Australian regulations, the country could create a significant new revenue stream.

As the 2025 WSOP chugs along at the Horseshoe and Paris Hotels in Las Vegas, players from Asia and the Asia-Pacific region are making their presence felt across the board. Australia is home to some of the biggest poker tournaments there are, such as the Aussie Millions, the ANZPT, and of course, WSOP, WPT, APT and APPT stops. He’s currently topping the Australian all time money list on Hendon with $12.714 million in career earnings – $7.5 million of which he got for his Main Event title. From the urban landscapes of Sydney and Melbourne to the gold mines of Western Australia, poker is more than just a pastime in the ‘Land Down Under’. This article www.qld.gov.au aims to guide poker enthusiasts looking to navigate the vibrant poker scene in Australia. Because you’re technically only wagering in Bitcoin, Nitrogen Sports doesn’t adhere to traditional Australian financial laws.

Exploring Australia’s Poker Scene: Laws, Venues, and Events

Casino licensees cannot offer online casino games in Australia (it is prohibited under the Interactive Gambling Act, which also prohibits online poker). The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has been actively enforcing the regulations set out in the IGA. As a result, several offshore gambling sites have been blocked or blacklisted for offering real-money poker services to Australian residents without a license. PokerStars, however, has historically maintained a significant user base due to its established reputation and ongoing engagement with players. Try new games for play-money or use your Aussie VISA card to load up your gambling account.

Online Poker Australia: Top Real Money Aussie Casinos in 2025

It is also advisable to read reviews and gather information from other players to determine the operator’s reliability and security measures. Furthermore, the closure has also made it difficult for players to withdraw their funds from these platforms. Many players were left with balances on these sites and faced hurdles in getting their money back. While some operators offered alternative methods or transferred funds to other platforms, the overall experience was undoubtedly frustrating for many players. Yes, online poker tournaments are one of the most common types of online gambling tournaments available.

A regulated market would also allow Australian players to seek legal recourse in case of disputes with operators. This consumer protection aspect is crucial, as it ensures that Australians can enjoy online poker games in a safe and secure environment—something that is difficult to achieve when dealing with unregulated, offshore casinos. State and territory taxation on casinos is determined on a case-by-case basis (typically during negotiations with the relevant state or territory government at the time).

Plus, there is a special type of depositing method which has turned popular throughout the years on many poker sites, POLi. Aussies can now enjoy all the perks that come with mobile poker, regardless of which device they use. With these fun poker apps, you can take a virtual road trip and play tournaments in Las Vegas, Atlantic City and Sydney. It is normally required for players to register with a desktop casino and then receive a link to their mobile casino counterpart. Often, the most famous brands would appear in the app store top poker apps as a result of the over-saturated free games.

While playing on offshore poker platforms is popular among Australian players, it is essential for players to understand and comply with their local gambling laws to ensure a safe and legal online poker experience. The Interactive Gambling Act (IGA) of 2001 is a federal law in Australia that regulates online gambling activities. Under this act, it is illegal for companies to provide online poker services to Australian players. However, it is not illegal for individual players to engage in online poker games.

Even if you manage to access the site using a VPN, you’ll encounter all sorts of problems when attempting to make a deposit or withdrawal because your address and phone number will need to be verified. Many of the biggest operators in the Australia market decided in 2017 and 2018 that they should leave the local market and wait until lawmakers change their tune regarding online poker legislation. The ACMA used its new powers to convince the companies that remained to discontinue their services in Australia. The tactics it employs include the use of cease-and-desist letters, threats of legal action, and partnering with other gambling regulators around the world to try to put pressure on these operators. Once the potential consequences of the IGAB became clear, a significant lobbying effort began to try to block its passage. Once you’ve confirmed the payment, the funds should reach your account almost instantly.

Keno licensees can offer their products through retail venues and online (in the case of the ACT and Vic). The authors note that in January 2024, the Special Manager of Crown Melbourne submitted his final report to the Victorian regulator setting out his assessment of the effectiveness and sustainability of Crown Melbourne’s reforms. The Victorian regulator subsequently announced in March 2024 that it was satisfied that Crown Melbourne was suitable to operate the casino and that it was in the public interest for the casino licence to Drop The Boss remain in force. The WA government determined that Crown Perth was suitable to retain its licence in July 2025. The duration of major operator licences depends upon the legislative framework in the relevant state or territory and is subject to possible change upon a licence renewal or new licence being issued.

Any skill games and competitions with no element of chance are not typically regarded as gambling, but may still fall within certain gaming regimes when operated in a land-based context. This is a sign that they carry the correct security protocols to protect you when you play. Legal rooms are ready to accept your bucks right now, so sign up for an account and get a great welcome bonus today. Under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 Aussies have been prohibited from playing online at sites based in Australia.

The landscape for Australians has changed every two to three years, so this article will survey some of the journey and point out where the current standings leave the issue of whether or not online poker is legal in Australia. This article represents current information and research, but should not be considered a legal authority on the issue. For further legal counsel regarding individual situations in Australia, consult a licensed, professional attorney. Yes, it’s safe to use a VPN to play at PokerStars, 888poker, GGPoker, and other online poker websites.