Can You Play Roulette Online in Australia?
2025-06-05
2025-06-05
Online roulette is a popular casino game in Australia, but its legal status is complicated by the country's gambling regulations. While Australians enjoy various forms of gambling, the legality of online roulette specifically is subject to strict federal and regional laws that have evolved over time.
The legal landscape for online gambling in Australia is primarily governed by the Interactive Gambling Act (IGA), which was significantly tightened with amendments in 2016. According to current regulations, online casino games—including roulette—are largely prohibited for Australian operators to offer to local players[4].
Despite the popularity of online roulette, federal law under section 5 of the Interactive Gambling Act explicitly bans many forms of online gambling services in Australia[4]. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) actively enforces these regulations by blocking access to illegal gambling sites, with 926 illegal online casinos blocked in February 2024 alone[2].
However, there appears to be some nuance in the regulations. While sources indicate that "online casinos offering roulette games are permitted," this only applies to those licensed through specific jurisdictions such as the Northern Territory or Queensland[3]. This creates a very limited legal pathway for Australians to access online roulette.
The Australian government has been increasingly proactive in enforcing gambling regulations:
These enforcement actions demonstrate Australia's commitment to restricting unauthorized online gambling platforms, including those offering roulette games.
With strict limitations on online casino games, Australians looking to play legally have limited options:
The ACMA cautions Australian players about using offshore gambling sites, noting that even if these services appear legitimate, they typically don't have sufficient player protections in place under Australian law[2]. This creates significant risks:
For those who choose to play roulette, whether online or at physical locations, responsible gambling practices are essential:
While online roulette remains popular among Australian players, the legal framework largely prohibits most forms of online casino gaming. Only a very limited number of operators licensed through specific Australian jurisdictions can legally offer online roulette to Australian players. The government continues to actively block unauthorized gambling sites and strengthen regulations around online gambling.
For Australians seeking to play roulette legally, brick-and-mortar casinos remain the most straightforward option, while carefully researching properly licensed online operators is essential for those who prefer online play. Always check the ACMA public register to ensure that any betting service you use is licensed to operate in Australia.