Bookmakers in Australia

How to verify an Australian licence

Betting in Australia is regulated at both state and federal levels. Most reputable online bookmakers hold a licence from the Northern Territory Racing Commission (NTRC), though some are licensed in other states like New South Wales or Victoria.

To check a site is legal:

• Scroll to the bottom of the homepage to find the regulator’s logo or licence number.
• Cross-reference this number on the official website of the relevant state regulator.
• Avoid “offshore” sites that lack local oversight, as they offer no legal protection if a dispute arises.

Payments and identity verification

Australian law requires bookmakers to verify your identity, usually shortly after you open an account. You cannot withdraw funds until this “Know Your Customer” (KYC) process is complete. This usually involves providing a digital copy of your driver’s licence or passport.

Commonly accepted payment methods include:

• Debit cards (Visa and Mastercard).
• PayID and Osko for instant transfers.
• BPAY and standard bank transfers.
• E-wallets like PayPal.

Note that using credit cards for online gambling is banned in Australia. You must use your own funds from a transaction or savings account.

Geo-restrictions and tax basics

A bookmaker might be licensed in Australia but still restrict users from certain states. Always check the terms and conditions if you live in South Australia or Western Australia, as local laws can limit specific features or sign-up options.

Regarding taxes:

• Winnings from recreational gambling are generally not taxed in Australia.
• The government views betting as a hobby rather than a profession for most people.
• You do not usually need to report your winnings on a standard tax return.

Safer gambling and self-exclusion

Every licensed Australian bookmaker must provide tools to help you manage your spending. You should set a deposit limit as soon as you create your account to stay within your budget.

If you need to take a break, use these services:

• BetStop: This is the National Self-Exclusion Register. It allows you to ban yourself from all licensed interactive wagering services in Australia in a single step.
• Pre-commitment limits: Set daily, weekly, or monthly caps on how much you can deposit.
• Activity statements: Regularly review these to track your total wins and losses over time.