# Gambling Reform Act receives Royal Assent

> The Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Act 2026 received Royal Assent on 26 August 2026 as Act No. 72, 2026. Stage dates and what starts on 1 January 2027.

Source: https://bookiechecklist.com/note-gambling-reform-act-royal-assent/
Updated: 2026-11-13

The Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Act 2026 received Royal Assent on 26 August 2026 and is Act No. 72, 2026. Most of its main provisions start on 1 January 2027. Source: the Parliament's bill page and Bills Digest No. 8, 2026-27, checked 13 November 2026. This is a plain-language summary, not legal advice.

## What changed

Before: a bill in Parliament. Now: an Act of Parliament, number 72 of 2026. The text has been enacted, but several rules wait for their start dates.

**Where this stands:** the bill became law on 26 August 2026.

## Stage dates

**Stages of the reform · aph.gov.au bill page and Bills Digest No. 8, 2026-27 · checked 2026-11-13**

| Date | Stage |
|---|---|
| 2026-04-02 | Prime Minister announced the reform package |
| 2026-05-12 | Government response to the report "You win some, you lose more" |
| 2026-07-02 | Bills introduced |
| 2026-08-19 | Bills passed |
| 2026-08-26 | Royal Assent, Act No. 72, 2026 |
| 2027-01-01 | Main provisions start |

Sources disagree on the date of the government response: 5 May 2026 (Victorian regulator), 12 May 2026 (Bills Digest) and 13 May 2026 (a trade article). We use the Bills Digest date.

**Where this stands:** four dates are confirmed by the Parliament's pages; one has a dispute noted.

## What starts later

From 1 January 2027, the Act brings in the rules for advertising of wagering content on the licensed services. Limits on direct advertising of incentives to new customers begin on a date the minister is to set. Both items are in the [full plain-language guide](https://bookiechecklist.com/gambling-reform-act-2026/).

This site follows the Act. We carry no promotional codes, and the [advertising disclosure](https://bookiechecklist.com/advertising-disclosure/) states how the site is paid. Other rule changes are on [what is changing in the rules](https://bookiechecklist.com/rule-changes/).

18+ only. Gamble responsibly. Get help: Gambling Help Online 1800 858 858.

## FAQ

**When did the Gambling Reform Act receive Royal Assent?**

On 26 August 2026, as Act No. 72, 2026. The Bills Digest and the Parliament's bill page give the same date.

**When do the main provisions start?**

On 1 January 2027, according to our country brief. Restrictions on direct advertising of incentives to new customers start on a date the minister is to set later.

**Why do sources give different dates for the government response?**

The Victorian regulator's page gives 5 May 2026 and a trade article gives 13 May 2026. The Bills Digest records 12 May 2026. We show all three and rely on the Bills Digest.

**Is this note legal advice?**

No. It is a plain-language summary of dates. The full text of the Act is on the Federal Register of Legislation.