iGaming is an online gambling industry that includes casinos, sports betting, lotteries and poker. In 2025, the iGaming industry in Australia continues to grow in the face of stringent regulation and changing consumer demand. Despite the restrictions, the market remains active and competitive and player interest is consistently high.
Legal Framework: What Online Casino Games are Allowed and What Is Prohibited
According to https://500rules.com/, the iGaming industry in Australia is regulated by a federal law – the Interactive Gambling Act. This law prohibits companies registered in Australia from providing online casinos and poker, but allows sports betting and lotteries – subject to a number of requirements.
In practice, this means:
- Australian operators are prohibited from offering slot machines, roulette and card games in an online format;
- Foreign platforms not registered in Australia are not officially authorised but continue to operate via VPN;
- Online sports betting is allowed if it is done before the match. Live betting (during the game) – by phone only;
- Lotteries, including Instant Win, are permitted.
A default ban programme for minors has also been in place since 2023, with payment operators required to verify the age and location of customers and banks required to block transfers to illegal platforms.
Online Casino Games Market in Figures
Analysts estimate the online betting market in Australia to be worth about A$5.5 billion in 2024. Online lotteries add another about 1.2 billion. Despite the restrictions, approximately 12-15% of the adult population participates in online gambling at least once a year.
In 2025, it is expected to grow by around 8-10% year-on-year. The main reasons are the increase in time spent online, growth in mobile traffic and expansion of international platforms.
In terms of popularity of formats, sports betting takes about 60% of the total volume, lotteries and instant games – about 25%, poker, other card games and online casinos through foreign sites – about 15%.
Major Players in the Market
Tabcorp, Sportsbet, Ladbrokes and Bet365 lead the legal online casino games market. All of them offer mobile apps, bonus programmes and verified payments.
The illegal segment is less transparent, but it is known that Australian players often use sites such as Stake.com, Cloudbet and 22Bet. These platforms are actively promoted through streaming services, Telegram and Discord.
Key iGaming trends in Australia in 2025
The following striking trends in online casino games can be highlighted:
Cryptocurrency
Players are increasingly using cryptocurrencies to bypass blockades and maintain anonymity. Bitcoin is particularly popular, as well as USDT and Ethereum. Many foreign platforms offer cryptocurrency wallets and fast deposits.
Mobile Segment Growth
More than 80 per cent of betting in Australia in 2025 is done from mobile devices. Users prefer native card games apps with push notifications, live statistics and fast withdrawals.
Use of AI
AI is used in analysing user behaviour, offering personalised bets and bonuses, and detecting signs of gambling addiction.
Responsible Game
Australian operators are required to provide self-locking features, betting limits and game time notifications. Some platforms have implemented mandatory “time-outs” after a long session.
Personalisation
The apps are tailored to the interests of the individual player: they display only the markets of interest, offer individual bonuses and notify about events of selected teams or leagues.
State Regulation and Control
In 2025, Australian authorities continue to strengthen oversight of online casino games. The Australian Communications and Media Authority actively blocks sites that violate the law. More than 800 domains have been blocked since 2022, and this practice continues.
Initiatives are also being developed to tighten control over advertising. There are plans to ban betting adverts in live broadcasts of sporting events, as well as to tighten the rules on social networks and YouTube.
New initiatives for 2025 include lowering the limit on bets in a single transaction, mandatory identity authentication and a centralised database of players who have opted out of gambling.
Challenges for the Industry
Despite the growth, iGaming in Australia faces a number of challenges. Laws restrict the development of new formats and prevent local companies from competing with international players – players are looking for more flexible terms, bonuses and access to casino games that are not available on local platforms.
As a result, Australian platforms lag behind international competitors in terms of UX design, gamification and betting depth.
What the Future Holds for the Market
Experts agree: iGaming market in Australia will grow, but will remain under strict government control. Possible vectors of development:
- Expanding the use of blockchain for transaction transparency and fair play in card games;
- Integrating VR and AR into sports betting and casino simulations;
- The rise in popularity of betting on cybersports – especially among the younger generation;
- Hybrid models that combine elements of social media, streaming and betting.
Tips for Card Games Players
For those involved in online gambling in Australia, it is important to exercise caution and use trusted platforms.
What to look out for:
- Site licence and registration;
- Availability of self-regulation tools;
- Transparent bonus terms and conditions;
- Protection of personal data.
Conclusion
iGaming in Australia in 2025 is a dynamic but contradictory market. On the one hand, the demand for online entertainment is growing steadily, players are moving to mobile devices and looking for new formats. On the other hand, the government continues to strengthen controls, and legal operators face competition from international platforms.
The future of the online casino games industry depends on the balance between innovation, responsibility and legal framework. Attention to the player, honesty and adaptation to modern demands are the key factors for success in this market.
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