Based on a common stereotype that Asians love gambling. To some extent, this is true, but none of these can outdo Australians when it comes to real money gambling. In fact, you can say without fear of contradiction that gambling is deeply embedded in Australian culture since it has been practiced since ancient times.
According to sources, online gambling is growing at an annual rate of 15% and 80% of the Australians are active punters. The fact that gambling laws in Australia are relatively liberal, gives them an added advantage to access different gambling platforms. Till to date, the country has a good number of reputable brick and mortar casinos with some of the best classic games. In addition, you will hardly miss pokies in nightclubs, bars, pubs, and many other public places.
Therefore, if you are in search for the best Australian online casinos, we recommend you read our in-depth article to the last point. We have done a comprehensive research about all that there is you need to know about online casinos in Australia.
Gambling Laws and Regulations in Australia
The regulation of gambling in Australia is done at two different levels. Whilst the central government is in charge of supervisions and amendment of laws, the state level comprises a number of regional authorities which performs a similar duty of regulating.
Some of the main organizations involved in online gambling in Australia include the Licensing Commission, Independent Gambling Authority, Australian Broadcasting Authority, Tasmanian Gaming Commission, and many more others. It should be understood that these authorities are only in charge of their respective regions.
Interactive Gambling Act 2001
The Interactive Gambling Act (IGA) of 2001 is the main law that is guiding all gambling activities in Australia, including the online gambling market. This law was passed by the Australian Commonwealth Parliament in 2001 to protect gamblers from being exploited by casino operators.
However, it is forbidden to offer any real money internet games or post related advertisements on any form of media within the Australian Borders. Any casino operator found breaking this law is charged with a fine of $220,000 per day. Note that the laws only target online casinos and online poker rooms and not individual Australian citizens.
The Interactive Gambling Amendment Bill 2016
As the name suggests, the bill was introduced in November 2016 and passed by the Australian Senate in March 2017. The main purpose of the law was to bring an end to the services offered by offshore online casinos and poker sites to Australian punters. The IGB also bans gambling advertisements from being aired during live sports events as well as wagering on any sports when in progress. But this law does not clearly restrict Australia-based players from gambling at online casinos.
Although some of the giant brands exited the Australian market, there are still several operators with the best services and products to offer. Many offshored operators left because of the high penalties associated with online casino gambling. Online punters in Australia can still access their favorite casino games, thanks to the advancement in technology.
Real Money Casino Games for Australia Players
Online punters residing in Australia are lucky to have access to a vast collection of casino games including the traditional roulette, baccarat, blackjack, poker, online pokies, craps, bingo, pai gow poker, let it ride, keno, and many others. Rest assured, the games intriguing, immersive, fun, and with lots of opportunities of winning huge prizes.
With online casinos, you can gamble from wherever you want and at your preferred time, thanks to technology especially mobile phones and tablets. These games are available in both free mode and real money mode. Moreover, online casinos vary in the way that some offer downloadable software whereas others are available in instant play.
You need not worry about where you will play these games as we have included a list of the best of the best Australian casino sites.
Online Pokies
Online pokies or slots are the top most loved casino games in Australia. Perhaps its because they are available in a wide variety. Aussie gamblers can play pokies either for fun or real money. These pokies come with huge bonuses, free spins, great graphics and sound effects, and additional features to boost your chances of winning. Regardless of whether you like playing 3-reeled, 5-reeled pokies, or progressive jackpot pokies, you are assured of great rewards and fun. Some of the most popular Aussie online pokies include Hitman, Battlestar Galactica, Untamed: Wolf Pack, Thunderstruck II, Alaskan Fishing, Mega Moolah, The Dark Knight, Untamed: Giant Panda, Gonzo’s Quest, Boogie Moster, Asian Beauty, Cashapillar, Adventure Palace, and etc.
Online Roulette
The game of roulette is popular in most online casinos. Online roulette come in different variations like European roulette, American Roulette, French Roulette, and others. This game comprises of a roulette wheel, a table marked with red and black and a number ranging from o to 36(7). The number pockets on each roulette table are determined by the type of variation you choose.
The reason why many players are attracted to this game is that it is easy to learn and play and there are numerous types of bets to choose from. Some of these bets include High/Low, Columns, Dozens, Odd/Even, Red/Black, Street, Split, Straight Up, Corner, and Line.
Online Blackjack
Blackjack is an ancient card game which is commonly known as 21 or Pontoon in Australia. It is normally played with a 52 card deck where the main goal is to hit close to 21 but not exceed it. If you do, you burst! The game is really fun to play and it comes in different variations, some of which include European Blackjack, Spanish Blackjack, Bonus Blackjack, Super Fun 21 Blackjack, Double Exposure Blackjack, and Atlantic City Blackjack.
Most of these variations are supplied by the industry’s best software developers such as Microgaming, NetEnt, Betsoft, NextGen Gaming, and others. You will need to understand how different hands/odds and strategies work if you are a beginner before you start playing online blackjack.
Three Card Poker
Online three card poker has grown popular in Australia over a couple of years. The main objective of the game is to make the best possible poker hand out of the three cards. The three cards are dealt with each player at the beginning of the game.
Before you start, you must make either one of two bets which are ante bet and Pairs Plus bet. Similar to other poker games, three card poker has hand rankings including Straight Flush, Three of a Kind, Straight, Flush, Pair, and High Card.
Online Baccarat
The game of online baccarat is one of the fastest growing casino game today. Although the game was only offered to for VIP players in land-based casinos, it is now available in almost all online casinos. The game has some of the best odds which do not require much of your tie to master. Normally, the goal is to predict which of the two hands, player/banker will have a higher score or whether the game will end with a tie.
Australian Live Casino
Live casino games have become every player’s favourite and Australian players have an opportunity to enjoy this new trend in the market. Unlike the standard games offered in online casinos, live casino games are available via live streaming. You get an opportunity to play against real blood and flesh dealers. Additionally, some online casinos allow players to chat and even tip dealers. These games are compatible with major gaming devices like smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers. Live casino games for Aussie players are powered by giant software developers including Microgaming, Evolution Gaming, and NetEnt. Some of the popular titles you will find in this category include live roulette, live blackjack, live baccarat, live casino hold em, live three card poker, live Caribbean stud, and live dream catcher.
Australia Mobile Casino
Online casino games have become popular these days, thanks to sophisticated technology which makes them accessible from anywhere. Players are able to find a wide library of mobile casino games both in downloadable and instant play versions. Using HTML5 technology, casino software developers have managed to optimize all games including pokies, blackjack, roulette, poker, and live dealer to fit on small screen devices.
Mobile casino games have a fast loading speed, stunning graphics and animations, and immersive soundtracks and effects. You will also find numerous bonuses and promotions to boost your bankroll as you progress with your different games. The games are compatible with major mobile devices like Android, Apple, Windows, and Blackberry.
Some of the benefits of playing mobile casino games in Australia include quick deposits and withdrawals, no deposit necessary, free casino games, cross-compatibility and many others.
Casino Bonuses and Promotions for Australian Gamblers
Online casinos have adopted the habit of using bonuses and promotions to lure players to use their site. These bonuses will range from welcome bonus to loyalty bonuses. To ensure that you get the most out of these offers, you need to understand how different things like wagering requirements work first. This will put you in a better position of choosing a good casino bonus. The bonuses are awarded on different games and they normally vary from one casino to the next. Some of the common bonuses you will find in Australian casinos include:
- First deposit bonuses; includes fixed and match up bonus.
- No deposit bonuses; range between $5 and $20.
- Monthly bonuses; can be a reload on the first deposit every month.
- Cashback bonuses; a refund of a fixed percentage of the losses incurred within a specific period of time.
- Referal bonuses; commonly known as refer-a-friend because you earn a small percentage for inviting your friend.
- Special Payment method bonuses; some casino operators will reward you for using a certain payment method to deposit your funds.
Australian Payment Methods – Safe Payment Options
Australian gamblers who choose to play at online casinos no longer have to worry about lossing their money. The sites use some of the most trusted and safe payment options in the market for secure deposits and withdrawals. It is mandatory for every player to choose a payment method that will be used for all transaction upon signing up. Therefore, here is a list of the safest online transaction options in Australia:
Skrill
- Launched in 2008.
- Supports text messages.
- Has user friendly interface.
Poli
- Most preferred and trusted by many in Australia.
- No credit or debit cards required.
- Convenient,
Ukash
- Allows easy and fast deposits and withdrawals.
- Uses security codes in exchange with real money.
Neteller
- Offers high deposits and minimum withdrawals.
- Customers can apply for credit cards.
- Accepted worldwide.
Citadel Commerce
- Customer friendly.
- Fast and secure payouts.
- Low transaction fees.
Mastercard
- Very quick and convenient to use.
- Supports instant deposits.
- There are high limits after verification.
Aussie Customer Service
One of the most important things to consider when choosing an online gambling site is the customer support. All the online casinos listed have unparalleled supports service with agents working around the clock to ensure that all your questions are answered in time. Players willing to contact them can do so via email, live chat, and telephone.
Play for Real Money – Best Australian Online Casinos
As aforementioned, there are tons of online casinos offering games to Australian players. Nevertheless, you need to consider your safety, the variety of games offered, payment options and currencies supported when choosing the best gambling platform. We have taken the burden of researching the top best sites you can play for real money in Australia.