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Australian Capital Territory Gambling Laws

Zane | February 4, 2025 | Updated on: February 4th, 2025

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has one of the strictest gambling regulatory frameworks in Australia, with tighter controls on gaming machines and land-based casinos compared to other states. However, the ACT still provides legal gambling options in the form of Casino Canberra, sports betting, and lottery games.

The ACT Gambling and Racing Commission (ACTGRC) oversees all gambling activities in the territory, ensuring consumer protection, fair play, and responsible gaming initiatives.


Key Takeaways:

Casino Canberra is the only legal casino in the ACT.
Online casinos are prohibited, but offshore operators accept ACT players.
Sports betting is legal and regulated.
Gaming machines (pokies) are highly restricted compared to other states.
Lotteries are legal, with online ticket sales available.

Now, let’s break down the gambling laws and regulations in the ACT.


Casinos in the Australian Capital Territory

Casino Canberra – The ACT’s Only Licensed Casino

The ACT permits only one licensed casino, and that is Casino Canberra. Unlike casinos in other states, Casino Canberra operates under much stricter regulations, including:

🎲 Poker
🎲 Blackjack
🎲 Roulette
🎲 Baccarat
🎲 Electronic gaming tables (but no pokies)

📍 Fact: Unlike other casinos in Australia, Casino Canberra is not permitted to offer poker machines due to strict ACT gambling laws.

Casino Licensing & Regulation in the Australian Capital Territory

Casino Canberra operates under a special license issued by the ACT government.
Must comply with strict anti-money laundering laws.
Regular audits ensure compliance with responsible gambling policies.

📍 Tip: Unlike NSW or VIC, where multiple casinos operate, the ACT enforces a single-casino policy to minimize gambling harm.


Gaming Machines & Pokies in the ACT

The ACT has some of the toughest restrictions on pokies (slot machines) in Australia.

Key Gaming Machine Regulations in the ACT:

Pokies are only allowed in licensed clubs and hotels – NOT in Casino Canberra.
The total number of gaming machines is capped at 4,000 across the ACT.
Pre-commitment systems are required to set bet limits before playing.
Cash-out limits apply to reduce problem gambling.

📍 Fact: Unlike NSW, where pokies are widespread in pubs and clubs, the ACT has significantly fewer gaming machines per capita.


Online Gambling Laws in the Australian Capital Territory

The Interactive Gambling Act (IGA) of 2001 prohibits Australian-based online casinos from offering services to ACT residents. However, offshore online casinos still accept players from the ACT, creating a grey area in regulation.

Legal Online Gambling in the ACT:

Online sports betting is allowed, but only through Australian-licensed operators (RT Bet Casino, SG Casino, N1 Bet Casino).
Online lottery ticket sales are permitted through The Lott.

Illegal Online Gambling in the ACT:

Online casinos based in Australia are banned.
Online poker and online slot machines cannot be operated within the ACT.

📍 Warning: Offshore online casinos are not regulated by the ACT government, meaning players have no local consumer protections.


Sports Betting Laws in the Australian Capital Territory

Sports betting is legal and strictly regulated in the ACT, allowing residents to bet on sports, horse racing, and greyhound racing through licensed operators.

Where Can You Bet on Sports in the ACT?

Retail sportsbooks – Available at licensed TAB outlets and betting kiosks.
Online sportsbooks – Licensed operators include N1 Bet Casino, SG Casino, RT Bet Casino, and Roby Casino.
Race betting – Available at Thoroughbred Park, Canberra’s primary racecourse.

Betting Restrictions in the ACT:

No in-play betting online – Live bets must be placed via phone or in person.
Offshore sportsbooks operate outside ACT law, posing risks for players.

📍 Tip: The Melbourne Cup and NRL Grand Final are among the most bet-on events in the ACT.


Lottery Laws in the Australian Capital Territory

Lotteries are fully legal in the Australian Capital Territory and are operated by the Tatts Group (The Lott).

Popular Lotteries in the ACT:

🎟 Oz Lotto – Tuesday jackpot draws.
🎟 Powerball – The largest jackpot game in Australia (Thursday draws).
🎟 Saturday Lotto – The most popular weekly lottery game.

📍 Tip: ACT residents can buy lottery tickets online through The Lott or in retail outlets.


Gambling Taxes in the Australian Capital Territory

The ACT government collects revenue from gambling activities through taxes on casinos, gaming machines, sports betting, and lotteries.

How Gambling is Taxed in the ACT:

📌 Casino tax – Casino Canberra pays a fixed tax on its gross gambling revenue.
📌 Sports betting tax – A Point of Consumption Tax (POCT) of 15% applies to all licensed sportsbooks.
📌 Gaming machine tax – Clubs and pubs pay a gaming machine tax based on revenue.

📍 Did You Know? The ACT has one of the lowest gaming machine numbers per capita due to strict responsible gambling policies.


Responsible Gambling in the Australian Capital Territory

The ACT Gambling and Racing Commission enforces strict responsible gambling measures to help minimize harm and gambling addiction.

Responsible Gambling Programs in the ACT:

ACT Gambling Support Service – Free support and counseling for problem gamblers.
Self-Exclusion Programs – Players can ban themselves from gambling venues.
Mandatory bet limits & loss notifications – Gaming venues must provide responsible gambling tools.

📍 Tip: If gambling is negatively affecting your life, seek support through ACT’s responsible gambling resources.


Final Thoughts: Understanding ACT Gambling Laws

The Australian Capital Territory enforces some of the strictest gambling regulations in Australia, ensuring consumer protection and responsible gambling initiatives.

Casino Canberra is the only legal casino in the ACT.
Online sports betting is allowed, but online casinos are banned.
Gaming machines are highly restricted, with limited availability in clubs and pubs.
Lotteries are legal and available both online and in retail outlets.

If you’re gambling in the ACT, always choose licensed and regulated operators for a safe and responsible gaming experience.


Australian Capital Territory FAQs

Is gambling legal in the ACT?
✅ Yes, gambling is legal but strictly regulated by the ACT Gambling and Racing Commission.

Can I play online casinos in the Australian Capital Territory?
❌ No, online casinos based in Australia are banned, but offshore platforms accept ACT residents.

Is sports betting legal in the ACT?
✅ Yes, sports betting is legal and regulated, with providers like N1 Bet, SG Casino, and Roby Casino.

Are pokies allowed in the Australian Capital Territory?
✅ Yes, but only in licensed clubs and hotelsnot inside Casino Canberra.

Can I buy lottery tickets online in the ACT?
✅ Yes, ACT residents can buy lottery tickets online through The Lott or at local retailers.

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