LEGAL EXPLAINER · CHECKED 4 OCTOBER 2026
Are online pokies legal in Australia?
Short answer: ACMA states that online casino services—including online slots or pokie-style games—cannot legally be offered to people in Australia. Promoting prohibited online gambling services to Australians is also illegal.
Land-based and online are different
Licensed physical gaming venues are regulated by states and territories. An offshore licence does not create an Australian licence or override the Interactive Gambling Act.
Why search results can be misleading
Search results may contain offshore operator rankings, bonuses, free-spin codes and payment claims aimed at Australians. Appearance in search is not proof that a service can legally be offered or promoted here.
What this site does
We provide neutral legal information and route local searches to evidence-backed land-based venue guides. We do not list, rank or link to offshore casino operators.
Substantive update history
- Added the current ACMA source set and clarified the distinction between land-based gaming and prohibited online casino services.
- Initial legal explainer published.