Online bingo in Australia is prohibited under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001, which sets rules for companies offering or advertising gambling services covering all gambling conducted online, through websites, apps, or via telephone (1). The Act prohibits certain interactive gambling services from being provided to customers in Australia, including online casinos, online slot machines, online poker, and online gaming services unless specifically excluded (2). The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is the government body responsible for enforcing the Interactive Gambling Act and regulating online gambling industries throughout Australia (1).
The Interactive Gambling Act defines prohibited interactive gambling services as gambling services provided in the course of carrying on a business to customers using internet carriage services, listed carriage services, broadcasting services, content services, or datacasting services (2). Exceptions to prohibited services include telephone betting services, excluded wagering services, excluded gaming services, and excluded lottery services, but online bingo does not fall within these exceptions (2). ACMA has powers to investigate and take enforcement action against illegal online gambling operators and advertisers who contravene provisions of the Act (1).
"This Act imposes the following prohibitions: a prohibited interactive gambling service must not be provided to customers in Australia; unlicensed regulated interactive gambling services must not be provided to customers in Australia."
Licensed interactive gambling services such as online sports wagering are permitted in Australia only if operators hold a licence issued by an Australian state or territory and comply with the National Consumer Protection Framework (1). The Act establishes criminal and civil penalties for operators who provide prohibited interactive gambling services to customers in Australia, with ACMA monitoring compliance and investigating illegal providers (2). Online bingo remains illegal for Australian residents, as it is classified as a prohibited interactive gambling service without regulatory exemptions, ensuring player protection through federal legislation that restricts unauthorized online gaming operations (2).
Source:
https://www.acma.gov.au/about-interactive-gambling-act
https://www.legislation.gov.au/C2004A00851/2024-06-11/2024-06-11/text/original/pdf
Last updated: 30-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
