# What is changing in Australian online betting rules?

> Rule changes for Australian online betting: the 2026 Gambling Reform Act, 1 January 2027 start, the credit card ban review and ACMA actions in 2026.

Source: https://bookiechecklist.com/rule-changes/
Updated: 2026-11-13

The Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Act 2026, Act No. 72, received Royal Assent on 26 August 2026, and its main provisions start on 1 January 2027. This hub lists what has changed, what is due and what is not yet dated, with the source for each. It is a plain-language summary, not legal advice.

## Timeline

**Rule changes and dates · sources: legislation.gov.au, Department of Infrastructure, ACMA · date checked 2026-11-13**

| Date | Change |
|---|---|
| 2024-06-11 | Ban on credit cards, credit-funded wallets and digital currency for online and phone betting |
| 2026-08-26 | Royal Assent, Act No. 72, 2026 |
| 2026-10-29 to 2026-11-27 | Consultation on the review of the credit card ban |
| 2027-01-01 | Main provisions start |
| Not yet dated | Limits on direct advertising of incentives, from a date the minister sets |

**The upshot:** one date has passed, one is set for 1 January 2027, and one is still open.

## From 1 January 2027

According to the minister's release, the package includes:

- limits on wagering ads during live sport and a cap of three ads an hour on TV;
- bans on kit and sports grounds, and no celebrities or influencers as ad faces;
- an advertising opt-out register, payment blocking for illegal sites and a ban on online keno.

Operators may not pay commission for customer activity from that date. Our own rules follow it: no sign-up offers and no commission.

## ACMA in 2026

- 12 February: a licensed operator paid A$158,400 for taking online in-play bets on tennis.
- 6 May: Ladbrokes and Neds gave an 18-month court-enforceable undertaking after BetStop breaches.
- 16 September: Dabble paid A$1,069,200 and gave a two-year undertaking for BetStop breaches.
- 22 October: ACMA warned two former footballers over promoting an illegal service.

Each item links to its ACMA release on the actions log page. A licence is not a verdict on conduct.

## Where to go next

For licensing, see [licensing and legality](https://bookiechecklist.com/licensing-and-legality/). For deposits, see [paying a bookmaker](https://bookiechecklist.com/paying-bookmakers/). For tools, see [staying in control](https://bookiechecklist.com/staying-in-control/).

## 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

**When does the Gambling Reform Act start?**

It received Royal Assent on 26 August 2026. Its main provisions start on 1 January 2027.

**Is the credit card ban changing?**

The Department of Infrastructure listed a consultation on its review from 29 October to 27 November 2026. No outcome is recorded yet.

**When do limits on advertising incentives start?**

From a date the minister sets. It was not set in the sources read on 13 November 2026.

**Is this legal advice?**

No. It is a plain-language summary of public sources.