Online casino license Australia

Licenses differ by activity, business model, and location. Here are the main categories found across Australian states and territories:

• Casino licenses
  Allow land-based casinos to offer table games, slots, and electronic gaming machines. These are issued sparingly and have strict requirements.
• Betting/wagering licenses
  Cover sports betting, racing, and sometimes fixed-odds games. The Northern Territory, for example, is a popular location for online sports betting operators.
• Lotteries and keno licenses
  Permit operators to run traditional and online lottery games. In some places, such as Queensland, there is a sole licensed lottery provider.
• Gaming machine/supplier licenses
  For manufacturing, supplying, or servicing gaming equipment like slots (“pokies”). Both operators and key individuals (directors, key managers) may need to be licensed.
• Interactive gambling licenses
  Some states offer licenses for online skill-based games, while most forms of online casino gaming remain prohibited for Australian residents. Charity and non-profit gaming online (like raffles and bingo) is regulated under separate rules, only available for eligible associations.

Typical activities licensed include:

• Online sports betting
• Race wagering
• Lotteries and keno
• Land-based casinos
• Charitable gaming (raffles, bingo, etc.)
• Gaming equipment supply

It is important to carefully check which types of online games or platforms can be operated legally. Online casino games and in-play betting are generally prohibited for Australian players, but B2B software providers and international B2C models may find limited options within certain states. The most suitable license and structure depend on your business’s focus and the jurisdictions you wish to serve.

To apply for a gaming license in Australia, you must meet strict eligibility criteria defined by both state and federal authorities. Most applications must be submitted by registered companies, though in some special cases individuals connected to charitable or non-profit gaming can apply. The main applicant is usually a body corporate; all key stakeholders—including directors, major shareholders, and certain employees—are subject to a rigorous approval process.

Key requirements include:

• Corporate registration: The company must be registered and in good standing with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
• Key persons: Directors, responsible managers, and compliance officers need to pass probity checks. This means detailed background checks, including criminal record, financial history, and industry reputation.
• Fit and proper assessment: All applicants and major stakeholders must demonstrate integrity, sound financial standing, and absence of connections to crime or previous regulatory breaches.
• Technical capability: This involves providing details about gaming software, IT infrastructure, and technical certifications to show that games are fair, random, and secure.
• Financial requirements: Proof of sufficient capital to operate, projected income and expenses, and ability to pay out player winnings.
• Operational policies: You need to provide anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) frameworks, responsible gambling initiatives, and data protection policies.
• Documentation checklist:
  • Certified copies of corporate documents (business registration, shareholder lists, company structure)
  • A full business plan, including marketing and risk management strategies
  • Financial statements, tax returns, and bank letters
  • Technical system and software certification reports
  • KYC (Know Your Customer) procedures
  • Personal documents for key people (IDs, CVs, police clearances, references)

The specifics of “who can apply” and the exact list of required documents vary by state or territory. For example, Queensland and the Northern Territory each have their own checklists and forms, but the core requirements are similar.

Getting a gaming license in Australia is only the first step—ongoing compliance is a central part of operating legally in this market. Regulators at both the state and federal level set clear rules and regular reporting obligations to maintain industry integrity and player safety.

Key compliance requirements

• AML/KYC procedures: Operators must have strict Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols. These involve verifying player identities, monitoring suspicious transactions, and reporting any unusual activity to the relevant authority.
• Player protection: Maintaining responsible gambling policies is not optional. Every license holder is required to offer tools that help players set deposit limits, self-exclude, and access support services where needed.
• Software and equipment audits: Gaming systems, random number generators and other software must undergo regular independent testing to ensure fairness and compliance. Certificates from approved labs may be required for both initial licensing and ongoing operations.

Reporting duties

• Financial reporting: Regular financial statements and reports must be submitted to the local regulator. This includes revenue figures, tax declarations, and detailed breakdowns of gaming activity.
• Audits: Many jurisdictions require annual or biannual audits by approved external firms. Audit results must be shared with regulators.
• Notifications: Operators must promptly report key changes—such as executive appointments, company ownership changes, or security incidents.

Responsible gambling and player safety

Australian regulations place high importance on player protection:

• All licensed operators must prominently display responsible gambling information.
• Mandatory features include self-exclusion programs and clear avenues for player complaints.
• Some states require dedicated staff training on problem gambling intervention and customer support.

Non-compliance can result in fines, suspension, or loss of license, so ongoing attention to regulations is essential.

Taxation for gaming operators in Australia depends on the jurisdiction and business model. Understanding the related costs is crucial before applying for a license.

Corporate tax and gaming taxes

• Corporate tax: Generally, companies pay corporate income tax at a standard rate of 30%. Some small businesses may access a lower rate, but most gaming operations fall into the higher bracket.
• GST and VAT: Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 10% applies to most goods and services, including some gaming activities. There are exceptions—lotteries, for example, have specific GST rules and may also incur duty on turnover or net revenue.
• Gaming-specific levies: Each state or territory imposes its own taxes and fees on gaming operators. For instance, Queensland requires lottery applicants to pay an application fee and ongoing quarterly fees, plus a tax on gross revenue (with rates around 73% for lottery games and 55% for instant games).

Financial advantages of licensing

• Business legitimacy: Holding an Australian gaming license allows operators to access banking, payment processing, and advertising channels that are not available to unlicensed businesses.
• Stability and trust: Licensed businesses can demonstrate compliance to partners, investors, and customers, strengthening long-term relationships and public trust.
• Predictable costs: While initial costs for licensing in Australia can be significant, ongoing taxes and fees are clearly defined, helping with financial planning and avoiding hidden expenses.
• Access to regulated markets: Legal operation unlocks the Australian market, offering one of the world’s highest gaming participation rates.

It is important to budget for not only the application costs but also ongoing taxes, regular audits, and compliance resources. Each state and game type may have separate fees and reporting standards, so careful planning is strongly advised.

Operators seeking a gaming license in Australia must meet strict technological and IT standards. Hosting infrastructure used for gaming platforms must be secure and, in many cases, based in Australia or in an approved jurisdiction. This ensures compliance with national data protection laws and guarantees faster oversight by regulators.

Data security is a high priority. Licensees are required to implement systems that protect players’ personal and financial data. This includes encryption protocols, regular security audits, and detailed privacy policies. Any failure to protect client information may result in heavy sanctions or license suspension.

Gaming software used in Australia must be tested and certified for fairness and randomness. All Random Number Generator (RNG) systems are required to be evaluated by an independent, accredited laboratory. Certification must prove that the outcomes are truly random and that the games cannot be rigged. In practice, this means presenting conformance certificates for each game or system used.

Some states also require technical integration with government monitoring systems. For example, gaming machines might be connected to central monitoring networks to track performance and prevent manipulation. Documentation covering technical design, game rules, payout percentages, and source code may be required during application.

To summarize, main technological expectations include:

• Secure, often local, hosting for platforms and databases
• Compliance with Australian data protection standards
• Accredited software testing and RNG certification
• Integration with government-approved monitoring tools

Gaming licenses in Australia are jurisdiction-specific. Each state and territory controls the geographic scope and recognition of its licenses. For example, a gaming license issued in Queensland allows operations only within that state unless another state explicitly recognizes it.

There are strict limitations on access to certain online markets:

• Interactive casino-style games and online slot machines are generally prohibited to Australian residents under federal law, regardless of state licenses.
• Only operators with specific national or local approval can offer online sports betting or lotteries.
• Wagering licenses, such as those in the Northern Territory, are often used by major corporate bookmakers for nationwide online sports betting, but still face limitations on advertising and product offerings.

International recognition of Australian licenses is rare. Most other countries do not automatically allow operations based on an Australian license. Conversely, operators licensed overseas cannot legally provide most gambling services to Australians without an authorized local license.

Countries with strong gambling controls, like the United States or many members of the European Union, do not recognize Australian gaming licenses for their domestic market. Additionally, operating from Australia into countries where online gambling is prohibited or controlled may create legal risks and conflicts.

Before applying, confirm where a specific license allows you to legally offer services. Carefully consider any cross-border operations, as Australian regulators and courts strictly enforce both local and international laws regarding unauthorized gambling activities.

When considering how to get a gaming license in Australia, it’s important to plan for all related fees and ongoing costs. The total cost will depend on your business model (for example, whether you seek a casino license, a lottery permit, or approval to supply gaming equipment) and the specific state or territory.

Application fees:

• Application fees are set by each state and typically range from AUD 100 to AUD 1,000 for supplier and minor operator licenses.
• For more involved licenses, such as operating an online lottery or casino, the fees increase substantially. In Queensland, a lottery operator’s license currently requires an upfront fee of AUD 21,460, in addition to quarterly renewal charges (amounts set or negotiated by the relevant regulator).

Annual renewal and regulatory costs:

• Annual renewal fees apply in most jurisdictions and vary by type of license and expected revenue. For example, annual fees for gaming machines or casino licenses depend on the scale of operations and number of devices.
• In addition to license renewals, taxes are charged on gross gaming revenue. For example, lotto-style games may be taxed at 73.48% of gross revenue in Queensland, while instant scratch-its are taxed at 55%.

Additional costs:

• If a local agent or representative is required (as with certain corporate or foreign applicants), agent’s fees add to initial and yearly expenses.
• Equipment and gaming software audits must be performed by approved third parties, with costs depending on technology and scope (software evaluation fees, compliance testing).
• Key persons (directors, owners) may need individual suitability checks or background checks, each attracting separate processing fees.
• Regulatory levies or surcharges may be charged, especially if operating leased gaming equipment, ranging from a minimum flat fee to a percentage of lease amounts each year.

Overall, the total cost to get a license and keep it active can range from a few thousand to several tens of thousands of AUD annually, before including operational taxes and audit costs. Each state’s regulator publishes specific tables with up-to-date fees and detailed breakdowns.

Once you are licensed to operate a gaming business in Australia, you must maintain high standards for compliance, reporting, and customer protection. Most businesses seek ongoing support to manage these obligations effectively.

Legal and compliance support:

• Regular compliance monitoring is crucial—regulators expect ongoing reporting of finances, technology changes, and any key personnel updates.
• Legal advice may be necessary to ensure ongoing conformity to changing local or federal laws, especially as the Australian gaming landscape evolves.

Banking and financial services:

• Australian banks may have special onboarding requirements for licensed gambling businesses. Support navigating ongoing banking relationships is beneficial, including advice on payments, anti-money laundering (AML) systems, and taxation.

Operational and technical services:

• Scheduled software and system audits are required to maintain approval for your gaming platform or machines. Technical troubleshooting and liaising with external auditors will help avoid costly delays or penalties.
• Operators often require assistance with marketing, especially after launch. Services range from designing promotional campaigns within regulatory boundaries to public relations support.

Continued advisory services:

• Guidance with expansion—such as moving into new states, changing your license category, or adding new games—can save significant time and reduce compliance risks.
• Dedicated helplines or contact points for urgent troubleshooting are critical, especially if technical failures or regulatory inquiries occur.

Most providers will tailor support packages according to your needs, whether you are a new online casino or a long-running lottery platform. Choosing experienced advisors who understand the Australian regulatory and business environment can reduce costs, lower risks, and help you maintain your license with confidence.

Players in Australia have access to a clear process for resolving disputes with licensed gaming operators. Each state and territory regulatory body oversees the handling of complaints within its jurisdiction. If a player has a complaint regarding a gaming, casino, or online gambling service, the first step is to contact the operator directly and attempt to resolve the issue. Most licensed operators are required to have dedicated customer support channels for handling player concerns.

If a satisfactory outcome cannot be reached, players may escalate their complaint to the relevant regulator. Examples include the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission, the New South Wales Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority, or the Queensland Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation. These regulatory bodies review complaints fairly and independently. They can investigate issues such as non-payment of winnings, unfair game outcomes, or breaches of responsible gambling policies.

In cases where mediation is needed, regulators may facilitate discussions between the player and the operator or refer the case to independent dispute resolution services. Regulators also run programs aimed at player protection, such as self-exclusion schemes, problem gambling support lines, and rules for transparent advertising and fair play.

The regulatory authorities closely monitor the behaviour of licensed operators and regularly audit their practices to ensure compliance with consumer protection laws. Repeated breaches or serious violations by operators can lead to penalties, license suspension or cancellation.