PokerStars, PartyPoker, 888poker, and all the other big names in the industry were active in Australia throughout this time. Overall, it's a great option for Aussie players and my go-to site to learn the theory behind different poker spots. When it comes to features, GTO Wizard's Poker Arena is an absolute gem, but not because it has a load of bells and whistles. It's rather because of the overall package it offers - free poker, free analysis and free poker practice in a competitive environment. Here's what makes GTO Wizard's Poker Arena so good and an appealing option to play.
The Impact of Regulations on the Poker Community
I compared all the operators according to my strict criteria, and set aside the ones that outshine their competitors. Organizations like the AOPA and PokerStars want lawmakers to see this side of the argument in order to make online poker legal, and regulate the activity across the country. Fortunately, many players, companies, Asino Casino and lawmakers are working hard to garner support for the legalization and regulation of internet poker in Australia. If you’re looking for casino games, such as pokies, slots, and live table games, instead of poker, my only recommended site for Australians is Joe Fortune. You can also play everything by logging into the site on mobile, which is important as real-money gaming sites cannot be listed on Australian app stores. If you were a member of WPN sites before they left the Australian poker industry, your account may be “grandfathered” in.
The onset of technological advances within the gambling industry brought Australia face-to-face with Internet gambling sites. Participate in tournaments, cash games and sit-and-go (SNG) if the operator officially accepts players from Australia. Every new player at Replay Poker receives a free starting chip balance when they create an account - no deposit, no catches. From there, you’ll also get daily free chips and access to tournaments where you can grow your stack and reputation. So, here’s specifically what makes Replay Poker one of the best online poker experiences for Aussie players and what we loved most about the platform.
You can also set the speed of the games – regular, turbo and super turbo are all available options. PokerStars and other poker rooms offer tournaments and cash games, with a few differences between the formats. Australian pubs also host a range of poker nights which you can join if you aren’t ready for the big leagues. Socio-economic factors and concerns over problem gambling have played a significant role in shaping Australia’s approach to online poker. The country has a high prevalence of problem gambling, with approximately 200,000 adults experiencing severe gambling problems. The government has argued that the prohibition of online poker is necessary to protect vulnerable individuals and prevent the expansion of problem gambling.
Six-plus Hold’em
Despite the challenges involved, there are a few offshore casinos and poker rooms accepting Aussie players, and you’ll find them listed on this site. Under the IGA, it's illegal to operate online casinos or poker sites on Australian soil. The law doesn't prohibit Aussie players from accessing offshore gambling websites, however. That's one area where the Australian government may look at in their 2025 review of the IGA.
Under current Australian tax laws, winnings from online poker are generally not considered taxable income. However, it is recommended to consult with a tax professional for specific advice. The IGA imposes hefty fines on companies found in breach of the law, with penalties ranging up to millions of dollars per day. As a result, many major poker sites, such as PokerStars and 888poker, have exited the Australian market to comply with the legislation. One of them is Ignition – a secure platform offering heaps of daily poker tourneys, including satellites, knockouts, and more, in addition to both low-stakes and high-roller cash tables.
The www.nsw.gov.au company has warned Australian players via email that it will be exiting the market when the new legislation is enforced. The bill, introduced by Human Services Minister, Alan Tudge, was presented to the House of Representatives for debate. It proceeded to the Senate where one Senator, who did his research, attempted to fight the bill. Senator David Leyonhjlem introduced a secondary amendment to exclude online poker (and internet blackjack) from the bill.
For now, Australian poker enthusiasts will continue to navigate the challenges and enjoy the game, whether through offshore sites, mobile apps, or live tournaments. The ban on online poker in Australia can be attributed to the introduction of the Interactive Gambling Amendment Act 2017, which amended the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. This amendment aimed to strengthen the laws surrounding online gambling in Australia, making it more difficult for offshore operators to offer their services to Australian residents. The new laws introduced stricter penalties for operators who failed to comply with the regulations, effectively forcing many online poker sites to exit the Australian market. Ignition took the top spot as the overall best site for playing online poker in Australia with its 150% deposit match bonus for poker tournaments and high-traffic cash tables. But all of the Internet poker sites that made this list offer something unique, they all accept AU players, and they’re all safe to use.
- The casinos we recommend accept all Australian players and offer real money games such as blackjack, roulette, pokies, real-money slots, and much more.
- The online poker sites listed on this page were able to offer a legally sanctioned destination for Australian residents seeking legal real-money online poker options.
- Interactive Gambling Act 2001This act makes it an offence for a provider to offer “interactive gambling services” to Australians.
- Now that we’ve covered the basics of online poker, popular Australian sites, and essential strategies, let’s explore how to take your poker skills to the next level.
- While land-based casinos and poker rooms are allowed to operate in certain states, the online poker sector has faced significant restrictions.
If you keep reading our article, you’ll find much more than the list of the best Australian poker sites. You can improve your online poker skills by utilizing resources such as training sites, books, and software tools. For players looking for a fun twist on traditional poker, Six-plus Hold’em is a great choice.
Can I use a VPN to access poker sites that are restricted in Australia?
The report which was due by September 21st, 2017 is now publicly accessible online. As things stand now, the amendment granted the Australian government plenty of authority on enforcing online gambling regulations with a few caveats here and there. We cover both online and offline gambling laws and offer a helpful FAQ section that really breaks down the elements that most people have questions about. Luckily, cases of fraud are extremely rare and 2025 is a much safer place for online poker players than 10 or 15 years ago. Australia poker sites players can gamble with opponents across the world without fear of losing cash. Interactive Gambling Act amendmentsHowever, in 2017 the Australian government passed amendments to the Interactive Gambling Act that closed loopholes that offshore sites used to continue operating in Australia.
However, loose wording and poor definitions mean that clever lawyers retained by leading online gaming sites were able to run circles around the Interactive Gambling Act. The body tasked with investigating violations, the Australian Broadcasting Authority, had to liaise with police forces to proceed with enforcement actions. This need for bureaucratic multi-agency coordination added further delays and uncertainties to the process, meaning that the Act was, for all intents and purposes, toothless. No, in Australia, gambling winnings, including those from online poker, are not subject to taxation.
This means that Australian-based gambling sites and licensed offshore gambling sites are allowed to offer these types of gambling options to Aussie residents. This restriction has not dissuaded all offshore betting sites or all Australian players, as you can see by the handful of online gambling destinations that still welcome players from this country. The online poker sites listed on this page were able to offer a legally sanctioned destination for Australian residents seeking legal real-money online poker options.
To round out your reading, ‘The Body Language of Poker’ by Mike Caro explores the psychological side of poker, teaching players how to better read their opponents’ tells. Now that we’ve covered the basics of online poker, popular Australian sites, and essential strategies, let’s explore how to take your poker skills to the next level. Utilizing resources and tools, such as training sites, books, and software tools, can provide invaluable insights and enhance your poker skills. There are numerous cities around the fringes of the country, but if you are seeking a top location to play poker, Melbourne is a great destination.
