There are several key organisations in Australia responsible for overseeing, regulating, and guiding the online gambling industry.
Each has slightly differing roles, but generally, they all work together to provide a safe online environment for players.
Understanding the role of each organisation, their responsibilities and what they offer for players can be helpful if you’re new to the world of online gambling.
Let’s take a look at each of these organisations in more detail so you can better understand how they work and their role in creating a safe and fair gambling environment for players.
Role of Gambling Organisations and Industry Groups
There are many gambling-related organisations in Australia, and their roles vary. But almost all focus on responsible gambling and helping protect Australian players from the risks of gambling harm.
Some focus more on research and driving policy change, while others offer ongoing counselling support for anyone who needs it. There are also state-based regulatory organisations who oversee casinos in their area to ensure they comply with local laws.
Based on research and experience, the main organisations associated with the online gaming and casino industry in Australia are summarised below.
Alliance for Gambling Reform
The Alliance for Gambling Reform (ARG) is a national advocacy group dedicated to preventing and minimising gambling-related harm.
Operating as a registered health promotion charity, it’s solely funded by donations and has no ties to the gambling industry. It’s independent from political parties to ensure objectivity regarding gambling in Australia.
The group has advocated for reforms including reducing gambling advertisements and introducing stricter regulations on gambling products. Their focus is on raising awareness about gambling harm and pushing for policy changes that protect vulnerable people, especially children and individuals susceptible to addiction.
The Alliance is supported by over 60 organisations and 23 leadership local councils throughout Victoria. The leadership team includes Chief Advocate Reverend Tim Costello and CEO Carol Bennett — ARG – Our Team # Show references.
Some of their work includes advocating for:
- Land-based gambling reform
- Digital and online gambling regulations
- Changes to sports betting advertising
Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA)
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is Australia’s primary regulatory body for gambling in the communications and media space, covering broadcasting, telecommunications and the Internet.
ACMA enforces the Interactive Gambling Act — Interactive Gambling Act # Show references — which prohibits the provision of certain interactive gambling services and aims to ensure online gambling services operate legally and ethically.
Some of ACMA’s tasks include:
- Blocking access to illegal offshore gambling websites
- Enforcing compliance with local gambling laws and advertising standards
- Overseeing consumer protection against unfair practices by online operators
- Maintaining a register of licensed operators
- Promoting safer gambling environments for players
Australian Gambling Research Centre (AGRC)
The Australian Gambling Research Centre (AGRC) is part of the Australian Institute of Family Studies and researches gambling behaviours and impacts nationwide.
The AGRC aims to provide high-quality, evidence-based research that informs policy and practice in the gambling sector. Research covers gambling prevalence, social and economic impacts, and strategies to reduce gambling harm.
The centre was established under the Commonwealth Gambling Measures Act 2012 and launched in 2013. Topics of research include:
- Gambling trends
- Gambling behaviours
- Associated gambling harms
- Impact of wagering advertising on behaviours
- Prevalence among different demographic groups
- Harms of simulated gambling in video games
The AGRC also examines community attitudes and the effectiveness of harm-reduction measures such as self-exclusion and pre-commitment systems. Their research helps shape national gambling policies.
Gambler’s Anonymous Australia
Gambler’s Anonymous Australia (GAA) is a peer-support group where individuals share experiences to help recovery from gambling addiction.
On their website you can find information about regular meetings, where members share stories and provide mutual support to maintain recovery.
GAA emphasises anonymity to create a safe, supportive environment for anyone seeking help.
Gambler’s Help
Gambler’s Help offers support and counselling for anyone affected by gambling.
They provide free, confidential assistance via phone, chat and face-to-face counselling. The service also offers resources for family and friends, financial counselling, advice about responsible gambling and educational programs.
Gambling Help Online
Gambling Help Online provides comprehensive support and counselling for people struggling with gambling addiction.
Their services are available 24/7, with confidential assistance via phone, chat and email. Counsellors offer personalised strategies and long-term support to help people regain control of gambling habits.
They also provide a range of online resources for self-help and educational materials raising awareness about gambling risks.
Areas of speciality include:
- Tips for maintaining responsible gambling habits
- Guidance for families and friends supporting someone with a gambling problem
- Collaboration with support services and community groups for a holistic response
Gambling Research Australia (GRA)
Gambling Research Australia (GRA) is a collaborative initiative between federal, state and territory governments that funds and shares research on gambling behaviour and the effectiveness of harm-minimisation measures.
Their work informs policy decisions and development of responsible gambling strategies. Key research areas include interactive gambling, gambling trends and the impact of gambling advertising.
National Association for Gambling Studies (NAGS)
The National Association for Gambling Studies (NAGS) is Australia’s leading forum for research and discussion on gambling-related issues. NAGS promotes, conducts and develops opportunities for gambling research and brings together industry professionals, treatment agencies, academics, regulators and others for open dialogue.
This not-for-profit, self-funding organisation does not take a formal position on the gambling debate, and individual members may hold a range of views.
Key objectives include promoting research, disseminating information, enhancing research standards and encouraging better research practices. NAGS also works to improve public understanding of gambling issues.
National Consumer Protection Framework (NCPF)
The National Consumer Protection Framework (NCPF) is an agreement between the federal, state and territory governments to implement consistent consumer protection measures for online gambling.
The framework includes ten standards covering ID verification, account closure, self-exclusion and responsible gambling messages. It was developed in response to the 2015 Review of Illegal Offshore Wagering — Review of Illegal Offshore Wagering # Show references.
The framework measures include:
- Prohibiting online wagering providers from offering customers lines of credit.
- ID verification must be completed before customers can place bets.
- Establishment of a National Self-Exclusion Register (BetStop) to exclude players from licensed online wagering services in Australia.
- Consistent responsible gambling messaging across platforms.
- Wagering providers must provide easily accessible activity statements for consumers.
- Limits on the types of promotions and sign-up offers for new and existing customers.
- Ensure customers can easily close their wagering accounts.
- Providers must offer voluntary opt-out pre-commitment options for deposit limits.
- Mandatory responsible gambling training for staff involved in online wagering services.
- Prohibiting payday lending services to fund betting accounts.
The framework aims to create a safer gambling environment by setting standards and reducing the risk of gambling-related harm.
Responsible Gambling Fund (RGF)
The Responsible Gambling Fund (RGF) funds initiatives to prevent and reduce gambling-related harm and to promote responsible gambling practices.
The RGF is administered by the Office of Responsible Gambling under Liquor & Gaming NSW and is funded through contributions mandated by the Casino Control Act 1992 and other community benefit payments and levies. It supports research, counselling and community education programs such as the Gamble Aware program — # Show references.
The fund is responsible for:
- Funding research into the effectiveness of harm reduction strategies
- Informing policy decisions and developing new initiatives
- Funding counselling and support services
- Supporting awareness campaigns and community education
Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation (VRGF)
The Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation (VRGF) is an independent statutory authority established by the Victorian Parliament.
Its mission is to reduce the prevalence and severity of gambling-related harm in Victoria.
The Foundation adopts a public health approach focusing on prevention, early intervention and support. It funds research and community programs, offers education and counselling (including Gambler’s Help) and runs programs like Love the Game to reduce young people’s exposure to sports betting promotions.
Activities include funding research, running awareness campaigns, and encouraging open discussion about gambling harm.
State and Territory Regulators
Gambling in Australia is regulated at both state/territory and federal levels. While Australian companies are generally prohibited from operating online casinos with an Australian licence, states and territories regulate gambling activities within their jurisdictions, including sports betting and physical casinos. Each jurisdiction has slightly differing laws and regulatory responsibilities — Gambling Laws and Regulations # Show references, and see the Interactive Gambling Act # Show references).
| Jurisdiction | Regulator | Role / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Australian Capital Territory (ACT) | ACT Gambling and Racing Commission | Regulates gaming machines, lotteries, sports betting and online gambling; promotes responsible gambling and public education. |
| New South Wales (NSW) | NSW Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing | Issues licences, ensures compliance, enforces laws and provides support and resources for those affected by gambling. |
| Northern Territory (NT) | NT Racing Commission | Oversees racing and wagering, including regulation of online sports betting operators licensed in the NT; handles disputes and complaints. |
| Queensland (QLD) | QLD Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation | Manages licensing and regulation of liquor and gaming; monitors online gambling operations and enforces state laws. |
| South Australia (SA) | SA Independent Gambling Authority | Regulates gaming, betting and lotteries; focuses on consumer protection and minimising adverse effects of gambling. |
| Tasmania (TAS) | TAS Department of Treasury and Finance (Liquor & Gaming Branch) | Responsible for licensing, compliance and enforcement of gambling laws in Tasmania. |
| Victoria (VIC) | Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR) | Independent statutory authority overseeing all forms of gambling; responsibilities include licensing, monitoring and enforcement. |
| Western Australia (WA) | WA Department of Racing, Gaming and Liquor | Regulates and controls gambling in WA, including licensing and monitoring casinos and gaming machines. |
Australian Gambling Authorities FAQ
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What is the role of the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) in regulating online gambling?
- ACMA enforces the Interactive Gambling Act, blocks illegal offshore gambling websites, ensures compliance with local laws, oversees consumer protection and promotes safer gambling environments.
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How does the Alliance for Gambling Reform (AGR) contribute to reducing gambling harm?
- AGR advocates for policy changes, raises awareness, and pushes for stricter regulation of gambling advertisements and products to reduce gambling-related harm.
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What services does Gambler’s Help provide for those affected by gambling?
- Gambler’s Help offers free, confidential counselling, financial advice, support for families and educational programs to help those affected by gambling.
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What is the National Consumer Protection Framework (NCPF) for online gambling?
- The NCPF sets standards for online gambling including ID verification, self-exclusion, responsible gambling messages and limits on promotions to protect consumers.
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What research does the Australian Gambling Research Centre (AGRC) conduct?
- AGRC researches gambling trends, behaviours, harms, the impact of advertising and demographic prevalence to inform policy and reduce gambling harm.
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