Casino regulation in NSW NSW Government

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There is no prescribed maximum number of licences that can be issued; however, in a practical sense there are limitations in respect of the number of On-course Bookmaker Licences that could be issued. The same applies in relation to Retail Wagering Licences and also lottery and keno licences. Casino licences can typically only be applied for through a competitive tender process run by the relevant state or territory. Any applicant for a licence is generally required to undergo a probity assessment to determine whether such applicant is ‘fit and proper’ to be granted a licence.
Legislation prohibits bets being taken by a Corporate Bookmaker on the outcome of a lottery (that is, ‘synthetic lotteries’). Casino licensees cannot offer online casino games in Australia (it is prohibited under the Interactive Gambling Act, which also prohibits online poker). For operational and risk reasons, other gambling sector participants (e.g. land-based casinos) do not permit the use of cryptocurrency for gambling. The use of digital currencies (including cryptocurrency) for gambling purposes is not common in the jurisdiction and, in the case of online wagering and payid pokies instant withdrawal betting, was expressly prohibited following amendments to the Interactive Gambling Act in 2024. In addition, a number of Corporate Bookmakers have recently been required by AUSTRAC to appoint independent auditors to assess their AML/CTF compliance, with one subsequently entering into an enforceable undertaking with AUSTRAC. 2.8 How do any AML, financial services regulations or payment restrictions restrict or impact on entities supplying gambling?
That’s why online casinos must implement appropriate technical and organizational controls to protect player data and minimize unnecessary risk. Online casinos face risks from criminals attempting to steal unprotected data, as well as from poor internal management and staff turnover. Where risk indicators are detected, operators must apply enhanced monitoring, source of funds verification, and appropriate interventions. Profiling should incorporate a range of factors, including age, financial situation, gambling history, patterns of play, and relevant social and medical vulnerabilities. All self-exclusion requests must be processed promptly, with accounts immediately blocked and access denied across all platforms.
This formal designation obliged FATF member jurisdictions to strengthen their AML frameworks for the casino sector, introducing enhanced customer due diligence, transaction monitoring, and reporting requirements. Using these powers, the federal government has enacted legislation regulating, amongst other things, interactive gambling, anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) and consumer and competition protections (also known as anti-trust matters in some other jurisdictions). By equipping employees with valuable educational tools, casinos can promote a deeper understanding of their obligations and manage compliance risks more effectively. Where required, operators must implement age-gating, display responsible gambling messages, and observe time or platform restrictions on advertising as mandated by local regulations. Retail operations are typically conducted using authorised agents and licensing distribution arrangements. A casino licence permits the relevant casino to typically offer traditional table games and gaming machines. Conclusively, for effective compliance, casinos can implement a range of best practices that not only adhere to regulatory standards but also foster a positive gaming environment.
Under the AML/CTF Act, certain gambling activities are classified as ‘designated services’ and, as such, reporting entities are required, among other things, to register with AUSTRAC, develop and maintain a compliant AML/CTF Program and report certain transactions to AUSTRAC, including by way of TTRs and SMRs. In addition to the compulsory responsible gambling messages and warnings, it is an offence to advertise an inducement to open a betting account or to refer another person to open a betting account and, in some jurisdictions, to gamble or to gamble more frequently. In the case of lotteries, aside from Tas (which operates under renewable five-year permits linked to Victorian and Queensland licences) and WA (where lotteries are owned and operated by the state), the expiry dates are generally shorter than in relation to Retail Wagering; however, they still range between 2024 and 2072.
Underage gambling preventionIn many jurisdictions, operators must verify each player’s age and identity at sign-up to prevent underage gambling. Social responsibility, or responsible gambling, obligations require operators to take proactive steps to protect not only their customers, but also all vulnerable individuals from gambling-related harm. Automated, real-time transaction monitoring systems and regular staff training support early detection. Operators apply a risk-based approach to identify high-risk customers and conduct EDD where required. Gambling and betting operators detect and prevent money laundering by implementing robust AML programs that meet regulatory standards.
This level of accessibility not only fosters trust but also helps to identify potential issues before they escalate, allowing for timely corrective action. Such efforts ensure that all employees are on the same page when it comes to understanding compliance requirements and any updates to regulations that may affect their operations. This includes establishing specific points of contact for compliance inquiries and providing regular updates through newsletters, meetings, or training sessions.
State and territory licensees are expected to have appropriate controls in place to ensure that they comply with their licence obligations, including relevant laws and any conditions attaching to their licence. Have fines, licence revocations or other sanctions been enforced in your jurisdiction? As regulation tightens, it is possible that this will change going forward and that directors and other officers will be actively pursued in relation to alleged breaches of relevant gambling and related laws. Whilst federal, state and territory laws and regulations are often capable of being contravened by directors and other officers of licensees, recent regulatory action has been taken against corporate licensees only.