The status of online poker in Australia has changed after the Australian Senate voted for the Interactive Gambling Amendment Bill. Since then, the legality of Internet poker games has been under severe debate.
There’s a lot of stigma surrounding online casino service providers in the Australian Internet market. Despite all the political wrangling, virtual poker (and online pokies) continues to be present among many gambling lovers. If you come from Australia and are unsure whether gambling online is legit or not, read the lines below and find out.
Interactive Gambling Amendment Act 2017
What was behind the IGA act of 2017? Those less familiar with the regulatory rules (and the online casino industry, in general) might feel playing poker games on the web is forbidden. Though the Act shook the boat for many, the main idea of this law was to protect Aussie players from rogue online casinos.
In other words, you will often find virtual casinos that mimic regulated operators with flashy websites and enticing offers. But, in reality, such platforms only aim to get your money and nothing more. Over the last couple of years, around 150 online gambling platforms have left the Australian market. The reason? They simply couldn’t or didn’t want to follow local rules and regulations. Also, thanks to this Act, players from Australia have been losing less money, which wasn’t the case just a half-decade ago.
Online Poker in Australia: Where and How?
Following the amendment, Aussie players have become more educated about the possible dangers of engaging with unregulated online casinos. The Act, in fact, was related to unregulated gambling service providers. In other words, depositing and playing with an unlicensed internet casino doesn’t mean you’ll suffer legal consequences; that’s not possible.
However, you may lose your money due to engaging with shady gambling platforms. Playing online poker and pokies, for that matter, is entirely safe as long as you play at a licensed and regulated operator. Therefore, before registering at any internet casino, you should consider aspects like:
- Licensing
- Terms and conditions
- Online casino reviews
Prior to leaving your personal and banking info, make sure the casino holds an appropriate license. It means the casino adheres to strict regulatory rules and respects players’ privacy. This will protect you from online fraud, data leakage, and other forms of cyber-criminal.
Next, make sure the casino’s terms and conditions are fair. In other words, check the wagering requirements, fine print, withdrawal times, etc. Finally, you should read experts’ opinions about a particular casino. Experienced players have the foresight to pick the right casino. Unfortunately, less experienced players typically don’t. For this reason, it is vital to look at what experts say and pick up a few tricks to stay safe when gambling online.
Online Poker in Australia: Conclusion
Providing the service of online poker in Australia is legal as long as the casino holds the appropriate licence, as per the Interactive Gambling Amendment Bill of 2017. Players, on the other hand, will suffer no consequences for engaging in such activities. In other words, it is entirely safe to enjoy poker games online.
However, Aussie players should be cognizant of the potential dangers of playing with shady and unregulated casino providers. Before you start playing poker, make sure the casino you choose holds a reputable license, has fair terms and conditions and enjoys an impeccable reputation (like the ones in our reviews!).
