# Is this bookmaker licensed and legal in Australia?

> How to tell whether an online bookmaker is licensed and legal in Australia: five register checks, who licenses, and what is banned.

Source: https://bookiechecklist.com/licensing-and-legality/
Updated: 2026-11-13

An online bookmaker is licensed in Australia when it appears in the ACMA register of licensed interactive gambling providers under a licence from a state or territory authority. Find the trading name and exact domain, match the licence holder in ABN Lookup, note the authority, and confirm the domain is not on ACMA's blocked list before you deposit.

## The five checks

1. Find the brand and the exact domain in the register's URL column.
2. Match the licence holder to its ABN in [ABN Lookup](https://abr.business.gov.au/).
3. Note the licensing authority named in the entry.
4. Confirm the domain is not on ACMA's list of blocked gambling websites.
5. Record the date. Repeat before each new deposit.

Read the register at the [ACMA register page](https://www.acma.gov.au/check-if-gambling-operator-legal). Entries marked "No current URL" cannot be matched to a site.

**The upshot:** five steps, one register, and a date you write down.

## Who licenses

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) enforces the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 and keeps the register. Licences come from state and territory authorities.

On 6 November 2026 the register held 214 records. The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission held 76, Liquor & Gaming NSW 70 and the Northern Territory Racing and Wagering Commission 44. The rest sit with six other authorities.

A licence shows an operator may offer wagering in Australia. It does not measure service quality.

**The upshot:** ACMA enforces and keeps the register; states and territories issue the licences.

## What is not legal

Online in-play betting on sport is banned; a purely voice-based phone bet is the exception. Online casino games, pokies and poker are not permitted either, and the register covers none of them.

Betting with an unlicensed service breaches the Act on the operator's side. We do not name or link to such services: ACMA treats hyperlinks to them as facilitating access (release of 22 October 2026).

To report one, use the [ACMA complaint form](https://www.acma.gov.au/interactive-gambling-complaint-form).

**The upshot:** if a site is not in the register, treat it as unlicensed until you can show otherwise.

## Related pages

See [paying a bookmaker](https://bookiechecklist.com/paying-bookmakers/) for the rules on deposit methods, [rule changes](https://bookiechecklist.com/rule-changes/) for dates after 1 January 2027, and [staying in control](https://bookiechecklist.com/staying-in-control/) for BetStop. Profiles are on [bookmaker profiles](https://bookiechecklist.com/bookmaker-profiles/).

## 18+ and where to get help

18+ only. Gambling can be harmful. Need help? Call Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858 (free, 24/7) or visit [gamblinghelponline.org.au](https://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au/). To exclude yourself from licensed Australian online and phone wagering providers, register with BetStop at [betstop.gov.au](https://www.betstop.gov.au/). BetStop help line: 1800 238 786.

## FAQ

**Who licenses online bookmakers in Australia?**

State and territory authorities issue the licences. ACMA enforces the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 and keeps the public register of licensed providers.

**Is a licensed bookmaker automatically a good one?**

No. A licence shows the operator may offer wagering in Australia. ACMA also published breaches by licensed operators in 2026.

**What if I cannot find a bookmaker in the register?**

Match the exact domain, not only the brand. If the domain is not listed, treat the site as unlicensed and do not deposit.

**Can I bet in-play online on sport?**

No. Online in-play betting on sport is banned. Only a purely voice-based phone bet is excepted.