Online gambling has been a challenging area to address for a variety of countries. Old rules that apply to casinos don’t fit the robust environment of internet gaming. With an influx of gamers interested in online pokies, digital blackjack, and video slots, game developers seek to fulfill the demand by providing online gambling sites. For game operators or gamblers living in Australia, finding recreational outlets can be a challenge.

History of Gambling
Australia has a robust gaming history, from sports bets, to horse races, pokies, keno, bingo, and more. Two-up is a game particular to Australia, involving bets on two coins that are thrown in the air. This is part of a rich ANZAC Day tradition, where gamers would meet in pubs to try Lady Luck. On this holiday of remembrance, Australians gather to reminisce lost soldiers from the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) during the First World War.

Timeframe
New legislation in the form of the Interactive Gambling Moratorium Act disallows operation of online gaming sites based in Australia, unless they were created before a May 2000 cut off date. Ongoing debate surrounds this, as new gambling establishments want to create legal online gaming experiences for players.

Location
For the most part, residents within Australia are unable to gamble for direct, real currency. For the most part, international gamers are allowed to browse and play on Australian-based sites, with the exception of designated countries that are prohibited.  Currently, no countries have requested a ban, preventing their citizens from playing Australian-based online games. Game providers in Australia are expected to take measures to prevent citizens from gambling on their websites, such as posting Australian laws for gamer perusal.

Type of Gaming
The Australian government permits sports bets and horse races wagers placed online. The list of gambling styles allowed within Australia are very limited, so make sure to

check with local legislation before settling down to a game. Lotteries are not included within prohibitions online, allowing gamers to participate

legally. The types of authorized online gambling often falls under scrutiny, as government officials try to combat gambling addictions and other dangerous social behaviors. Thus rapid gaming is disallowed online, to prevent addictive tendencies.

Tax
Players do not need to worry about paying tax to the Australian government for winnings. Gambling establishments are taxed instead, with heavier taxes applied to the size and scale of the organization. Many casinos, bookmakers, and lotteries must pay additional licensing fees to operate.

Players and Establishments
Oddly enough, while the Interactive Gambling Act of 2001 prevents Australia-based organizations from taking bets from local citizens, players are not barred from partaking in online gambling. It is not an offence for Australian citizens who decide to gamble online. The legislation only covers facilitators and game providers.

Playing Safe
While searching for a new online game, research various local legislations. Existing laws can affect taxes, winning collections, and gamer protections. Most online gaming laws are currently up in the air for several countries, as governments continue to revise and react to technological and economic trends.