Knowledge Base

Date: 20.06.2025

by Sebastian Warowny

Australian Online Pokies: Top Sites and Games

In Australia, online casinos are banned, but pokies remain legal—so long as they’re played in pubs, clubs or licensed casinos. Slot machines are not only widespread but culturally ingrained, with tens of thousands operating across the country. This article outlines the legal status of online pokies, their presence in the retail sector, and the risks of unlicensed websites.

Online Pokies Remain Prohibited for Operators Under Australian Law

Australia maintains a federal prohibition on the provision of online casino-style games, including pokies, roulette and blackjack. Under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA), it is illegal for any operator—whether Australian or foreign—to offer real-money pokies to players located in Australia.

The law is enforced by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), which has the power to investigate breaches, issue warnings, refer cases for prosecution, and direct internet service providers to block access to prohibited websites.

Importantly, Australian players themselves are not breaking the law if they access these offshore services. The IGA targets providers, not individuals. However, offshore platforms operate outside the country’s regulatory oversight and offer none of the consumer protections required of licensed services.

While some online gambling products are legal—such as sports betting and horse race wagering through licensed operators—real-money online pokies remain banned under Australian law.

Pokies Are Legal in Licensed Land-Based Venues

Despite the restrictions online, Australia remains one of the world’s most saturated markets for land-based pokies. These machines are legally available in casinos, pubs, RSL clubs and hotels, particularly across New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland, where the concentration is highest.

Over 185,000 machines are currently in operation nationwide, regulated at the state and territory level. Each jurisdiction sets rules on key aspects such as:

  • Return-to-player (RTP) percentages

  • Maximum bets and spin speeds

  • Operating hours and machine limits per venue

Several states, including NSW and VIC, are trialling reforms to reduce gambling harm—such as mandatory card-based play, cashless payments, and pre-commitment systems.

Pokies in Australia are not just a widespread form of gambling—they are deeply woven into the country’s leisure culture. However, all licensed venues must adhere to strict compliance standards, undergo audits, and offer support for responsible gambling.

Offshore Sites Continue to Target Australians

Despite the law, offshore operators continue to offer online pokies to Australians—often accepting AUD, promoting “Aussie-friendly” bonuses, and claiming fast withdrawals. These sites are not licensed in Australia, and are in breach of the IGA if they offer real-money casino games to Australians.

Offshore operators typically:

  • Lack Australian consumer law protections

  • Do not guarantee fair play or audited RNGs

  • May omit deposit limits or self-exclusion tools

  • Offer little or no recourse in case of disputes

  • Operate outside the reach of Australian regulators

The ACMA maintains a growing list of banned domains, and actively works with ISPs to block access. It also partners with payment providers and app platforms to limit exposure to illegal services. If a site is taken down, players can lose access to funds without warning.

Some offshore platforms may appear legitimate—offering games from well-known developers and polished user interfaces—but their legal status is clear: they are not authorised to operate in Australia.

No Legal Australian Online Casinos With Pokies

There are currently no licensed Australian online casinos offering real-money pokies to domestic users. Any platform that claims otherwise is either operating unlawfully or misleading players.

Search results are filled with so-called “top online pokies sites” targeted at Australians. Most of these are affiliate-driven lists that promote offshore operators, in violation of Australian law. Many offer high RTPs and flashy bonuses, but none are compliant with the Interactive Gambling Act.

Promoting or advertising such sites within Australia is also prohibited, and may result in regulatory action.

Where Australians Can Legally Play Pokies

As of 2025, the only legal way to play real-money pokies in Australia is at licensed land-based venues, including:

  • Commercial casinos (e.g. Crown Melbourne, The Star Sydney)

  • Pubs, hotels and clubs with gaming machine licences

These venues must meet strict regulatory requirements, including certified and audited gaming machines, staff trained in harm minimisation and intervention, and clear signage about support services for problem gambling.

Responsible Gambling and Player Support

Australia’s gambling framework is underpinned by harm minimisation principles. Each state and territory funds responsible gambling initiatives, with national services available to all Australians.

Key resources include:

  • GambleAware – Tools, counselling and education

  • BetStop – National self-exclusion register

  • Lifeline – 24/7 crisis support

These programs aim to ensure that gambling remains a form of controlled entertainment, rather than a source of financial or personal harm.