Australia’s gambling landscape has always been one of the most active and regulated in the world. From pokies in pubs to online betting platforms, Australians have long enjoyed a strong culture of wagering. However, 2025 marks a major turning point for the nation’s gambling industry. New laws, introduced both federally and at the state level, are reshaping how Australians play, how casinos and betting sites operate, and how consumer protection is enforced.
These changes aim to strike a balance between allowing entertainment and reducing harm, while also ensuring the industry remains transparent, fair, and accountable. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the new gambling laws in Australia for 2025, what they mean for players, online casinos, and operators, and how the gambling landscape is evolving in response to stricter oversight.
The Background: Why New Gambling Laws Were Needed
For decades, gambling has been a part of Australia’s national identity. Statistics show that Australians are among the highest per-capita gamblers in the world. From sports betting to online casinos, the gambling market has grown rapidly, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic pushed more players into online platforms.
However, with this rapid expansion came new challenges:
- Rising gambling addiction rates, especially among younger demographics.
- Unregulated offshore betting platforms, offering no consumer protection or tax contribution.
- Money laundering risks, particularly through unmonitored digital payments.
- Advertising overload, with gambling promotions flooding sports broadcasts and social media.
In response, both the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) and the federal government launched a full review of gambling laws. The goal was to modernize regulations for a digital era while reinforcing player protection and responsible gambling practices.
The Key Pillars of Australia’s 2025 Gambling Laws
The new gambling reforms are built on five main pillars, each targeting a specific area of concern:
- Tighter Control Over Online Gambling
- Ban on Credit Card Use for Gambling
- National Self-Exclusion Register Expansion
- Stronger Advertising Restrictions
- Greater Transparency and Operator Accountability
Let’s explore each of these in detail.
1. Tighter Control Over Online Gambling
One of the biggest changes in 2025 is the crackdown on unlicensed offshore gambling sites. In previous years, thousands of Australian players used foreign casinos and sportsbooks that were not registered under Australian law. These sites often operated tax-free, offered unfair odds, and left players unprotected in case of disputes.
Under the new laws, the ACMA now has enhanced powers to block illegal offshore gambling websites and freeze payments to unlicensed operators. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are now required to comply with blocking requests within 24 hours.
Additionally, all online gambling operators who wish to serve Australian customers must now obtain an Australian digital gaming license and meet the following requirements:
- Verify all users’ identities using government-backed ID systems.
- Provide transparent odds and RTP (Return to Player) data.
- Display mandatory responsible gambling messages.
- Ensure age restrictions (18+) are strictly enforced.
This tighter control means that only reputable and locally compliant operators can offer gambling services, ensuring players enjoy a fairer and safer experience.
2. Ban on Credit Card and Digital Wallet Use
In 2024, the Australian government proposed banning the use of credit cards for online gambling. That proposal has now become law in 2025.
From March 2025 onward, players can no longer use credit cards, PayPal, or “Buy Now, Pay Later” services to deposit funds on any gambling platform. This decision aligns with earlier bans already in place for land-based casinos and betting outlets.
The reasoning behind this move is simple: gambling with borrowed money increases the risk of financial harm. By forcing players to use debit cards or direct bank transfers, regulators hope to reduce problem gambling and prevent individuals from gambling beyond their means.
Furthermore, gambling operators are now required to:
- Display clear payment warnings about responsible gambling.
- Limit deposit frequency to reduce impulsive spending.
- Block any transactions made using linked credit facilities.
This change has been largely supported by consumer advocates and financial institutions who believe it will help Australians maintain better control over their spending habits.
3. National Self-Exclusion Register: “BetStop” Goes Nationwide
In 2025, BetStop, the National Self-Exclusion Register, has become a central part of Australia’s gambling harm reduction strategy. This system allows any individual to self-exclude from all licensed gambling services—both online and offline—across the country.
Here’s how it works:
- Players can register for exclusion periods ranging from 3 months to lifetime bans.
- Once registered, all gambling operators must block the user’s access and stop all marketing communications.
- The exclusion applies to every platform linked to the national system, including casinos, sportsbooks, and poker sites.
The law also introduces hefty fines for operators who fail to comply. In 2025, penalties can reach up to $250,000 per violation for companies that allow excluded players to gamble or send promotional material.
BetStop is considered one of the most advanced self-exclusion systems globally, ensuring a single registration can protect individuals across all gambling channels.
4. Stricter Advertising and Sponsorship Regulations
Perhaps the most controversial change in Australia’s new gambling laws for 2025 concerns advertising restrictions. Over the past few years, Australians have been bombarded with gambling ads—especially during sports broadcasts and prime-time TV.
The new laws impose the following rules:
- Complete ban on gambling ads during live sports broadcasts between 5:00 am and 8:30 pm.
- Mandatory “Gamble Responsibly” disclaimers must occupy at least 20% of every ad.
- No celebrity endorsements or influencer promotions targeting people under 25.
- No gambling ads on social media platforms that do not have verified adult-only audiences.
- Sports sponsorship reform: While gambling companies can still sponsor teams, they can no longer display logos on junior uniforms or during youth-related events.
These measures aim to reduce the normalization of gambling among minors and prevent misleading advertising that suggests gambling is a guaranteed way to make money.
Many sports leagues initially opposed these restrictions due to lost sponsorship revenue, but public pressure and health data have driven bipartisan political support for the changes.
5. Transparency and Accountability for Operators
The Australian government is also demanding more transparency from gambling operators. Every licensed provider must now submit quarterly compliance reports detailing:
- Player protection measures in place.
- Responsible gambling initiatives.
- Revenue breakdowns by product (e.g., pokies, sports betting, roulette).
- Evidence of fair play and RNG (Random Number Generator) audits.
Failure to comply with these requirements can lead to license suspension or permanent bans.
Additionally, all gambling platforms must clearly display return-to-player (RTP) rates and house edge information for each game. This ensures players understand their odds before wagering.
The ACMA has also launched a new public transparency portal, allowing Australians to view which operators are licensed, their compliance history, and any violations they’ve been penalized for.
The Rise of Responsible Gambling Technology
With these laws, Australia has also become a leader in integrating technology-driven responsible gambling tools.
Some notable innovations include:
- AI-based risk detection systems that flag problem gambling behavior.
- Real-time affordability checks to monitor if players are spending within safe limits.
- Personalized limits allowing users to set daily or weekly spending caps.
- Pop-up reminders that inform users how long they’ve been playing and how much they’ve wagered.
These digital tools are now mandatory for all licensed online casinos and betting sites. The government hopes this proactive approach will reduce gambling-related harm before it becomes a crisis.
