Legal Online Gambling in the Australian Capital Territory

The smallest state in the country is at the same time home to its capital, providing for quite the healthy quality of life for its residents. The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) is inhabited by about 385,000 people, with a range of social and entertainment options to choose from.

Canberra, the capital of the state…

… and Australia, in general, has only just celebrated its one-century anniversary back in 2013. It was set to be the country’s capital as a compromise to the lasting feud between Sydney and Melbourne back in the 1900s when both cities were in their prime.

Nowadays…

… the residents of the Australian Capital Territory are able to enjoy a modern and urbanized living environment, and at the same time head out to much of the uninhabited land in the state for an experience in the countryside. This is a particular characteristic of the state, as about 70% of its land is completely open space. It gives the impression of being at one with nature, a thing that even visitors to the capital will confirm; there are trees, bushes and overwhelming greenery throughout the entire city.

Still, despite their urge to preserve the natural treasures and ensure its people lead a healthy and untarnished lifestyle, ACT officials have also made great efforts to provide all the commodities of modern-day life. Aside from a sustainable economy and accessible services, the state is also home to a number of entertainment options. And with real money gambling being a well-known pastime to the Australian people, you should expect nothing less than a fully-fledged establishment in the heart of the city.

Top 4 Australia Casinos

Legal Land-based Gambling in ACT

Casino Canberra…

…is the only establishment in the state capital, although its range of games, services and customer benefits makes up for any lack of diversity. The casino establishment features the largest selection of pokies in the state, as well as a range of blackjack, poker tables. Alongside this, visitors of the casino will additionally be able to enjoy high-end accommodation, fine wine and dine options, entertainment locals and other services.

This establishment has undergone re-branding and renovations over the years, still managing to retain its title of being ‘The Heart & Soul of the City’.

A much smaller collection of pokies and other games of luck and chance are available across the four venues of the Southern Cross Club. This is the other gambling facility available to residents across the ACT, where they can enjoy live casino and poker action at brick-and-mortar locations.

Horserace betting and sportsbetting…

… is also allowed as a legal gambling activity in the state. Races take place at Thoroughbred Park, and enthusiasts are able to place all kinds of bets on all the events. Alternatively, sportsbetting is slightly more restrictive – bettors can place all kinds of bets except for in-play live betting.

Top 4 Sportsbooks in Australia

1		£30	Play Players Accepted
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Greyhound racing…

…was another popular form of gambling up to a few years ago. Around the summer of 2016, legislators of the Australian Capital Territory, along with the NSW legislature, officially banned betting practices on these types of races following a report that showed the cruel treatment and miserable living conditions the dogs were put through.

All this, along with the interactive form of gambling addressed below, is regulated by specific state laws, as well as federal-level legislation. So far, the Casino Control Act of 2006 and the Gaming Machine Act of 2004, along with its amendments, have been said to regulate the live gambling industry.

Attempts were made to regulate online gambling as well, back in 1998, but the country’s federal government responded to the need for proper laws three years later. Thus, today’s legal online gambling business segment in the ACT is handled much like in the remaining states, through the Interactive Gambling Act of 2001.

Finally, there have been…

…some slight but significant changes in of gambling regulations in recent years.

One thing is the set reduction by 20% of poker machine licenses across all live gambling venues, set to be completed by April 2019 and April 2020.

On a different note, the change in taxing policy is already starting its implementation – the ACT government established a 15% Point of Consumption tax before the start of 2019, like many other states in the country, in order to boost their budget from all bets made by Australian Capital Territory residents.

Top 20 Online Casinos in the ACT

1	Gamblezen Casino	100% up to €500 + 50 Free Spins	Read Review Play Players Accepted
2	Lucky Hunter Casino	50% up to $/€5,000	Read Review Play Players Accepted
3	SlotLords Casino	100% up to $/€750 + 100 Free Spins	Read Review Play Players Accepted
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5	RetroBet Casino	150% up to $/€10,000	Read Review Play Players Accepted
6	RollXO Casino	100% up to $/€2,000 + 200 Free Spins	Read Review Play Players Accepted
7	CasinoStars	100% up to $/€300	Read Review Play Players Accepted
8	PrimeBetz Casino	100% up to $/€500 + 100 Free Spins	Read Review Play Players Accepted
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11	7Bit Casino	100% up to €400 + 100 Free Spins	Read Review Play Players Accepted
12	Wazbee Casino	125% up to €200 + 50 Free Spins	Read Review Play Players Accepted
13	Lucky Tiger Casino	300% up to $3,000 Sign up	Read Review Play Players Accepted
14	Liberty Slots Casino	400% up to $400	Read Review Play Players Accepted
15	BitStarz Casino	100% up to $/€100 + 180 Free Spins	Read Review Play Players Accepted
16	Highway Casino	250% up to $2,500	Read Review Play Players Accepted
17	Red Stag Casino	275% up to $550 + 100 Free Spins	Read Review Play Players Accepted
18	Lincoln Casino	100% up to $1,000	Read Review Play Players Accepted
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20	Casinomia	100% up to $/€500 + 100 Free Spins	Read Review Play Players Accepted

Legal Online Gambling in ACT

The entire gambling industry in the state is completely regulated…

… by the federal Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), as well as the ACT Gambling and Racing Commission.

With all these authorities taking care of issuing licenses and handling operator compliance, it is safe to assume that residents are able to enjoy an ample, well-developed array of gambling opportunities.

According to the letter of the law…

… operators licensed within the country borders are able to operate and provide their sportsbetting and horserace online betting services to interested locals. Nevertheless, online casino and poker operators are prohibited from doing the same; they can get a license from the respective authority, but they cannot cater to Aussies.

However, this still leaves Aussies with plenty of choice – international online gambling operators offering their services in the territory of Australia are completely available options. In other words, Aussies are free to play wherever they choose to, and the operators are those who need to be careful about whom they cater to in order to remain legally compliant.

Top Online Gambling Options for ACT Residents

With so many online gambling destinations globally, Australian players can have a hard time making the right choice for the best experience. Those residing in the Australian Capital Territory are already familiar with the perks of a prime gambling experience with Casino Canberra in mind; just make sure to add these considerations when making your pick and you too should be able to find top gambling options in no time:

• Top industry-level security – The gambling industry standard has drastically risen, especially in of security in order to provide interested players with a fully protected experience. In order to make sure your funds and personal details are treated properly and will remain safe, always choose operators that feature encryption and security certificates on their platforms, as well as seals from reputable audit companies and licenses from the appropriate jurisdictions.
• Banking options and variety – Banking options can vary greatly, especially with the many payment services launched recently. In order to make the most of your banking choice, make sure they offer low or no-fee, fast and secure deposits, as well as withdrawals. The best ones (American Express) will enable you all this, and in your local AUD currency to save players from extra conversion expenses.
• Game selection – The game selection is crucial, as players spend the most time at the general game lobby, even though some may enjoy the periodical tournaments as well. Make sure they feature titles from all the top providers – Betsoft, as well as your personally preferred options for the best gameplay experience.
• Bonus offers – Generous, yet realistic bonuses are a sure indicator of a casino operator’s reliability. Always pay close attention to these specifics, and make sure you agree with even the slightest and conditions in order to truly benefit from your casino bonuses and promotions.
• Customer service – Operative hours and responsiveness of the customer service and team is another consideration that can arguably improve your gameplay experience. Check for options and make sure you are able to use them easily and efficiently.