Wendy Poli | February 4, 2025 | Updated on: February 4th, 2025
South Australia (SA) has one of the most regulated gambling industries in Australia, with strict laws governing casinos, sports betting, online gambling, and gaming machines (pokies). The state prioritizes responsible gambling and has imposed strict advertising rules for gambling operators.
The Consumer and Business Services (CBS) South Australia and the Independent Gambling Authority (IGA) regulate all gambling activities in the state to ensure compliance, fairness, and consumer protection.
Key Takeaways:
✔ Adelaide Casino (SkyCity) is the only legal casino in SA.
✔ Online casinos are banned, but offshore operators accept SA players.
✔ Sports betting is legal and regulated, with strict advertising restrictions.
✔ Gaming machines (pokies) are available in pubs, clubs, and casinos.
✔ Lotteries are legal, with online ticket sales allowed.
Now, let’s explore the gambling laws and regulations in South Australia.
Casinos in South Australia
Adelaide Casino (SkyCity) – The Only Licensed Casino in SA
The Adelaide Casino (SkyCity Adelaide) is the only licensed casino in South Australia. The casino is located at SkyCity Adelaide and offers:
🎲 Poker
🎲 Blackjack
🎲 Roulette
🎲 Baccarat
🎲 Electronic gaming machines (pokies)
Casino Licensing & Regulation in SA
✔ Adelaide Casino operates under a special casino license issued by the SA government.
✔ Must comply with responsible gambling laws and anti-money laundering policies.
✔ Strictly regulated by the Consumer and Business Services (CBS) South Australia.
📍 Fact: Unlike NSW and Victoria, where multiple casinos operate, SA follows a single-casino policy to limit gambling expansion.
Gaming Machines & Pokies Laws in SA
South Australia has strict regulations on gaming machines (pokies), with policies designed to reduce problem gambling.
Key Pokies Regulations in SA:
✔ Gaming machines are allowed in licensed pubs, clubs, and the Adelaide Casino.
✔ A maximum cap of 12,100 gaming machines is enforced across SA.
✔ Mandatory pre-commitment and bet limits apply to all gaming machines.
✔ Cash-out limits on gaming machines prevent excessive losses.
✔ Facial recognition technology is required in some venues to detect banned players.
📍 Fact: South Australia has one of the strongest responsible gambling policies in Australia, requiring gaming venues to implement harm-minimization strategies.
Online Gambling Laws in South Australia
Online gambling in SA is regulated under federal laws, meaning Australian-based online casinos are banned, but offshore operators accept SA players.
Legal Online Gambling in SA:
✅ Online sports betting is legal, but only through licensed Australian operators (RT Bet Casino, Roby Casino, N1 Bet Casino).
✅ Online lotteries are permitted (The Lott, SA Lotteries).
Illegal Online Gambling in SA:
❌ Australian-based online casinos are banned.
❌ Online poker and online slot machines are not allowed within SA.
📍 Warning: Offshore online casinos operate outside SA regulations, meaning players have no consumer protections under South Australian law.
Sports Betting Laws in South Australia
South Australia heavily regulates sports betting, with strict rules on advertising and promotions.
Where Can You Bet on Sports in SA?
✔ Retail sportsbooks – Available at licensed TAB locations.
✔ Online sportsbooks – Licensed operators include N1 Bet, SG Casino, RT Bet, and Roby Casino.
✔ Race betting – Available at Morphettville Racecourse and other venues.
Betting Restrictions in SA:
❌ Live betting is not allowed online – Only via phone or in person.
❌ Offshore sportsbooks are unregulated and may pose risks.
📍 Tip: South Australia has some of the strictest advertising rules for sports betting, banning inducements like “free bets” or “deposit bonuses”.
Lottery Laws in SA
Lotteries are fully legal in South Australia and are operated by The Lott (SA Lotteries).
Popular Lotteries in SA:
🎟 Oz Lotto – Tuesday jackpot draws.
🎟 Powerball – The largest jackpot game in Australia (Thursday draws).
🎟 Saturday Lotto – The most popular weekly lottery game.
📍 Tip: SA residents can buy lottery tickets online through The Lott or at licensed retail outlets.
Gambling Taxes in South Australia
South Australia imposes gambling taxes on casinos, gaming machines, and sports betting operators.
How Gambling is Taxed in SA:
📌 Casino tax – Adelaide Casino pays a tiered tax based on revenue.
📌 Gaming machine tax – Clubs and pubs pay taxes on gaming machine earnings.
📌 Sports betting tax – A 15% Point of Consumption Tax (POCT) applies to all bets placed in SA.
📍 Did You Know? South Australia was the first state in Australia to introduce a POCT on online sports betting.
Responsible Gambling in South Australia
South Australia has strict responsible gambling initiatives, enforced by the CBS and Independent Gambling Authority (IGA).
Responsible Gambling Programs in SA:
✔ Gambling Help SA – Free counseling and support for problem gamblers.
✔ Self-Exclusion Programs – Players can ban themselves from gambling venues.
✔ Facial Recognition Technology – Used in some venues to identify problem gamblers.
📍 Tip: If gambling is negatively impacting your life, seek support through SA’s responsible gambling resources.
Final Thoughts: Understanding SA Gambling Laws
South Australia has some of the most regulated gambling laws in Australia, focusing on responsible gambling and consumer protection.
✔ Adelaide Casino is the only legal casino in SA.
✔ Online sports betting is legal, but online casinos are banned.
✔ Gaming machines are capped, with strict player protection measures.
✔ Lotteries are legal and available both online and in retail outlets.
If you’re gambling in SA, always choose licensed operators to ensure a safe and responsible gaming experience.
South Australia Gambling Laws FAQs
❓ Is gambling legal in South Australia?
✅ Yes, gambling is legal but heavily regulated by the CBS and IGA.
❓ Can I play online casinos in SA?
❌ No, Australian-based online casinos are banned, but offshore platforms accept SA residents.
❓ Is sports betting legal in SA?
✅ Yes, sports betting is legal and regulated, with providers like RT Bet, N1 Bet, and SG Casino.
❓ Are pokies allowed in SA?
✅ Yes, but only in licensed clubs, pubs, and Adelaide Casino.
❓ Can I buy lottery tickets online in SA?
✅ Yes, SA residents can buy lottery tickets online through The Lott or at licensed retailers.