Looking to play poker in Australia? You're in the right place! Although real-money online poker cannot be legally offered in Australia, due to the Interactive Gambling Act (IGA), Australians can still enjoy poker safely through legal, free-to-play social poker apps and platforms, as well as extensive live poker options at casinos and licensed venues nationwide.
Although Australia might not be the first country many associate with poker, not having the same glittering appeal as the bright lights of Vegas, or the prestige and glamour of Monte-Carlo, Australia does, in fact, historically have quite an illustrious relationship with poker - including one WSOP Main Event winner (Joe Hachem - 2005) and two WSOP Players of the Year (Jeffrey Lisandro - 2009 and Robert Campbell - 2019). And, of course, with the 2026 return of the Aussie Millions, there is much to be excited about.
In this guide, we will walk you through all the laws when it comes to online poker in Australia, helping you to understand exactly how the land lies, and also give you the best social sites to legally play online poker in Australia.
Poker laws in Australia can be confusing, especially with online and live play treated very differently under the Interactive Gambling Act. Here’s a quick, clear breakdown so you know exactly what’s legal (and what isn’t).
Real money online poker in Australia is: Illegal ❌
Limited to regulated casinos (and in some states licensed clubs and pubs)
Online Poker in Australia
Online poker is not legal in Australia. That’s been the case since the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 was introduced at the beginning of the century. Before that point, Australians had been able to play online poker freely without limitations.
However, despite the act outlawing operators from providing online poker services in the region, offshore poker sites continued to operate, and offered a workaround for Australian poker players to access the game online. This wasn’t legal, but the Australian government didn’t actively stop this happening, nor did they pursue those participating.
That was until 2017, where further changes effectively stopped any chance of playing online poker. The Interactive Gambling Amendment Bill 2016 was passed, which effectively banned any real money online poker games outright and closed all previous loopholes or workarounds.
A fine of $6.75 million per day was introduced to any operator not abiding by the amendment, so as you’d expect, options remain barren down under. That is despite the fact that technically, the bill does allow for operators to provide online poker services if they are licensed by the government (*the bill covers gambling in general and is not poker-specific). The issue - there is no process in place to obtain licenses from the government, and this isn’t expected to change anytime soon.
Key Takeaways
Online poker is not legal in Australia since the 2001 Interactive Gambling Act was introduced.
The Australian government added further restrictions in 2017, cracking down on offshore gambling sites operating in Australia.
Changes or loosening of regulations are not expected in the near future.
What are the Chances of Australia Legalizing Online Poker?
The chances of Australia legalizing online poker are unlikely, but still possible.
Will poker be legalized in Australia?
Ironically, before the amendments to the regulations came into effect in 2017, there were considerable efforts from the Australian poker community to push for legalization in the country. However, these efforts came to an abrupt end, with the barrier to legalization now set even higher.
Discussions are still ongoing, and many people are still firmly in favor of legalizing poker, arguing that it’s a game of skill rather than just random gambling.
However, when asking the question of how likely it is that Australia legalizes online poker, we have to look into the current situation. At present poker is legal in casinos, pubs and poker clubs (*depending on the state). If online poker was legalized, there is a train of thought that these institutions would lose out as players flock to the online market, an easier alternative. Furthermore, some betting sites and online casino operators aren’t keen on legalization either, as it will again provide an (indirect gambling) alternative for their existing punters.
Why Online Poker Won't be Legalized
Casinos and clubs currently have large influence in the market and a certain sway on the government
Those establishments would potentially lose out if online poker is legalized
As a result, they won't back any push to legalize online poker
When will Online Poker be Legalized in Australia?
Online poker is very unlikely to be legalized in Australia within the next few years. If it is legalized, it will be a long-term battle, but there are no recent actions that imply legalization is imminent.
It’s always difficult to give an exact time as to when things might happen. Even if legal procedures are underway, it can still take years to fully get things over the line, and it’s never certain until it’s been 100% signed off.
But given the reasons stated in the previous section and the lack of potent action currently in the works, it is clear that online real money poker being legal in Australia is some way off. Be sure to check back on PokerNews, as we will update you on any major developments as soon as they happen.
Live Poker in Australia
Live poker at the Australia Poker Open
Live poker is legal in Australia, though unlike some other countries, there aren't specific regulations and laws focused solely on the game. Instead, poker is incorporated under the same umbrella as other casino games.
Where can you play live poker in Australia?
Casinos
Pubs
Hotels
Poker Clubs
That makes it difficult to pinpoint an exact date when live poker was legalized in Australia, seeing as the game was simply offered in casino venues as they began opening up in the country in the 70s.
But the country has had and, to a lesser extent, still has, a vibrant live poker scene. Australia has also played host to several major live poker festivals, the biggest of which being the Aussie Millions. This was the largest and richest poker festival in the Southern Hemisphere, held at the Crown Casino in Melbourne, Australia.
The popular Australian tournament series last ran in January 2020 before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down live poker at many casinos around the world but is due to return in 2026.
Melbourne, Australia - a popular poker destination
Current Gambling Laws in Australia
Let’s run through in more detail some of the relevant gambling laws in place in Australia, including some of the ones we’ve already mentioned above.
Interactive Gambling Act 2001
This act makes it an offence for a provider to offer “interactive gambling services” to Australians. Interactive gambling services in this case encompasses a range of different verticals, and online poker is one of them.
As a law, it targets the operators supplying the services, rather than the players themselves. However, it’s not certain what will happen if you are a player and are discovered to be in breach of this act. While it’s unlikely you’ll be prosecuted, we strongly recommend to abide by this regulation.
Unlawful Gambling Act 1998 (NSW)
Poker played in physical venues falls under state/territory gambling laws. For example, in New South Wales under the Unlawful Gambling Act 1998.
This looks to protect players by making it illegal for poker game organizers to take payments of entry fees or taking a rake in a poker game - outside regulated, licensed venues. Ultimately, it means nobody can conduct, promote or profit from an unlawful poker game.
Gaming Offences Act 1936 (SA) The Gaming Offences Act 1936 (SA) is a similar law in a different jurisdiction that prohibits any person who is not a player in a poker game to take any part or percentage of any money staked or wagered.
Key Takeaways
Real-money online poker offered to Australians via internet providers to residents is prohibited under the IGA.
The individual players are generally not prosecuted for illegally playing online poker, but the providers are.
Live poker in a venue is regulated at state/territory level: it may be lawful if conducted under a licensed venue without unlawful elements - such as taking rake.
We recommend that players always check specific state laws for the venue where poker is played.
History of Online Poker in Australia
The history of online poker in Australia has been somewhat chequered. Changes in the law over the years and the level of enforcement efforts have had a significant impact on both the availability and the popularity of the game. Here's a quick run through of some of the most impactful moments in the history of poker in Australia.
1990s
Poker’s popularity is rising as more and more casinos are opening up across Australia. Perhaps the most impactful was in 1994, when Crown Casino (Melbourne) was opened, though its impact on poker specifically wouldn’t come for another few years.
1998 - Crown Casino Poker Room
In retrospect, 1998 was a monumental moment in the Australian poker timeline. It was the year that the Crown Casino launched its dedicated poker room. It would host many of the early, live poker tournaments in the country, but more significantly would later go on to host the prestigious Aussie Millions tournaments.
Aussie Millions
Early 2000s - Poker Boom
Early in the 21st century, online poker was very popular in Australia. The Chris Moneymaker effect seemed to have transcended continents. However, many Aussie players were forced to use offshore sites to play for real money.
2001 - Interactive Gambling Act
As mentioned, things changed massively (in theory, at least) when the Australian government passed the Interactive Gambling Act in 2001, it became illegal for online gambling operators to offer their services to players located in Australia.
Post-2001 - ‘Black Market’
For many years after that 2001 law change, many offshore online poker sites continued to offer their services to players in Australia. This was essentially a ‘black market,’ but despite its illegality the government largely turned a blind eye.
2017 - Interactive Gambling Act amendments
However, in 2017 the Australian government passed amendments to the Interactive Gambling Act that closed loopholes that offshore sites used to continue operating in Australia. Most of the major offshore online poker sites left the Australian market following those amendments in 2017.
Present Day - Shift to Free-to-play Sites
Nowadays, Australian players are restricted to playing legal online poker only on free-to-play online poker sites. It’s either this, or visiting a licensed venue to play live poker.
Play Legal Online Poker in Australia
Having said everything we've said, you'd be forgiven in thinking that you cannot play legal online poker in Australia. After all, it is illegal, right? But while it might be illegal to play online for real money, you can play online poker legally if it is not for real money. This is where free poker sites and apps come into play.
So, here are the best online poker sites in Australia you can legally play on.
Best Online Poker Sites in Australia
The free online games section on PokerNews lists the best free online games for Australian players to play poker and experience online casinos. Here are the best free online poker products in our opinion:
Site
PN Rating
Features
MTTs
Cash Games
Welcome Bonus
Play
WSOP
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Daily challenges, interconnected community and intuitive ux design
The official WSOP Poker App, from the creators of the World Series of Poker, delivers the full Vegas experience straight to your phone. It’s one of the most popular poker apps in Australia, combining top-tier design, vibrant tables and regular free-chip bonuses.
Let’s delve deeper into what makes it the best place to play poker in Australia.
WSOP Poker Features
WSOP Poker is completely free-to-play, using virtual chips rather than real money. It brings everything you’d expect from an online poker site, but just without the risk of playing for real money. Here’s more about what makes WSOP a great choice for Aussies.
WSOP Poker App
Bonuses and Challenges
One of the features we liked the most about the WSOP Poker App is the regular chip bonuses and daily challenges, which keep things exciting and rewarding. While part of the game is to build your chip balance, these daily challenges reward you with chip bonuses, ensuring you’ll never run out of play money. Specifically, the challenges add an extra dynamic to gameplay and incentivise you to climb leaderboards, unlock achievements and complete tasks to earn more chips.
Social Poker
The WSOP Poker App combines the social side of poker with the traditional gameplay we all know and love - and it does so very effectively. When signing up, you join a worldwide community of poker players. You’re then free to explore and compete with friends or literally anyone else on the platform across the globe. It’s this social side to the app that makes it great and sets it out from other options for Australians.
Variety
You won’t get bored playing at WSOP. While it’s common to see real money operators offering several different poker formats, when it comes to free-to-play platforms, they often choose to focus solely on Texas Hold’em. But not WSOP. On the app, you can not only play the classic form of poker - No-Limit (Texas) Hold’em, but also Omaha poker as well. Furthermore, a range of different tournament formats and cash games are available, so there’s lots for you to explore and dig in to.
WSOP Poker
The Best WSOP Bonus - 1m Welcome Bonus
The best WSOP Poker bonus is undoubtedly the 1,000,000 free chip welcome bonus.
WSOP welcome bonus
Such a huge welcome bonus is rare (if only it were real money), but by signing up to WSOP Poker via the PokerNews link below, you can claim one million chips to start playing absolutely free. Click the link in the widget and use code ‘POKERNEWS’ when signing up to claim the exclusive bonus!
How to Download the WSOP Poker App in Australia
Ready to get started? Simply follow these quick steps and you could be battling it out on the tables in minutes.
Step 1: Visit Your App Store
Open the App Store (for iPhone/iPad) or Google Play Store (for Android devices). Search for “WSOP – Texas Hold’em Poker Game” by Playtika LTD to ensure you’re downloading the official version.
Step 2: Tap “Download” or “Install”
Select the app from the search results and tap Download (iOS) or Install (Android). The app is free to install and doesn’t require any payment information.
Step 3: Open the App
Once installed, tap Open to launch WSOP Poker. The app will load its welcome screen and guide you through setup.
Step 4: Sign In or Create an Account
You can play instantly as a guest or sign in using Facebook, Apple ID, or your email to save progress and sync chips across devices.
Step 5: Claim Your Free Chips and Start Playing
Collect your welcome chip bonus (use code ‘POKERNEWS’), choose a Texas Hold’em or Omaha table, and start playing free poker legally in Australia!
The WSOP App brings free, simple-to-play poker games to a wide audience. I love the community aspect of WSOP, with millions of players worldwide and easy connectivity between friends.
All-in-all, it's a great choice and is justifiably one of the best poker sites/apps available to Australian players.
Replay Poker - The Best Poker Site in Australia for Poker Variants
Replay Poker is one of the most trusted and popular free-to-play poker sites in the world - and it’s 100% legal for Australian players. Designed for players who love authentic, skill-based poker without any of the risks of real-money gambling, Replay Poker delivers a genuine online poker experience right from your browser.
Let’s explore more about what makes it one of the top poker sites in Australia.
Replay Poker Features
Replay Poker is all about real poker, real players, no real money. It captures the strategy and excitement of traditional poker while remaining completely free and legal in Australia. The site is known for its smooth gameplay, friendly atmosphere and dedicated player community - but you’d expect that.
So, here’s specifically what makes Replay Poker one of the best online poker experiences for Aussie players and what we loved most about the platform.
No Download
It’s a simple one, but we love the fact that you can play directly from your browser. There’s no hassle and it’s so easy to get started and load up a game. You don’t need to download any software or install an app. So with just a couple of clicks, you can be at the virtual tables trying to outplay opponents and build your chip stack.
Replay Poker gameplay
Beginner Friendly
If you’re new to poker, Replay Poker is a good place to start. With on-site guides into the different rules of each game, strategy and a very intuitive interface, you’ll find it easy to get to grips with all the basics.
(Even More) Variety
We said WSOP gave you variety (and that’s true), but Replay poker is on another level. Replay Poker offers an impressive variety of poker formats, catering to every type of player. You can play:
Games run 24/7 with cash tables, Sit & Gos and multi-table tournaments always available. For those who love structure and competition, Replay Poker also hosts seasonal leagues, freerolls, and leaderboard contests, giving you goals to aim for week after week.
Best Replay Poker Bonus - 20,000 Chips Welcome Bonus
The best Replay Poker bonus is its 20,000 free chip welcome bonus.
Every new player at Replay Poker receives a free starting chip balance when they create an account - no deposit, no catches. From there, you’ll also get daily free chips and access to tournaments where you can grow your stack and reputation.
The welcome bonus gives you 20,000 free chips upon signing up. Simply click the link below to get started and claim your bonus.
How to Join Replay Poker in Australia
Getting started at Replay Poker is quick, easy and completely free. Follow these steps to sign up and start playing in minutes:
Signup to Replay Poker
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Go to Replay Poker on your computer, tablet, or mobile device by clicking one of the links on this page. There’s no app download required - the site runs directly in your browser.
Step 2: Click “Sign Up”
On the homepage, click Sign Up to create your free account. You’ll just need to enter a username, email address, and password.
Step 3: Verify Your Account
Replay Poker will send a quick confirmation email. Click the link inside to activate your account and access all tables.
Step 4: Claim Your Free Chips
Once registered, you’ll receive free starting chips automatically. You can also claim daily bonuses by logging in regularly.
Step 5: Choose a Table and Start Playing
Pick your favourite poker variant - Texas Hold’em, Omaha, or more - and jump straight into a table. Enjoy real poker action, completely free and legal for Australian players.
Replay Poker is a great option for no-fuss poker in Australia. I love that no download is required, and also the range of different poker game variants on offer to keep things interesting and give players lots to explore.
Overall, if you're new to poker and are looking for a place to learn the game and develop your skills, Replay Poker is a fantastic choice for Aussies.
GTO Wizard is the unique one on this list in that it's not strictly an online poker site, but rather a training site that offers free online, competitive poker. That said, GTO Wizard's Poker Arena might just be the most fun option out there.
We'll explain more about GTO Wizard, including how to win real rewards for free and why it's one of the best places for online poker in Australia.
GTO Wizard Poker Arena Features
When it comes to features, GTO Wizard's Poker Arena is an absolute gem, but not because it has a load of bells and whistles. It's rather because of the overall package it offers - free poker, free analysis and free poker practice in a competitive environment. Here's what makes GTO Wizard's Poker Arena so good and an appealing option to play.
Competitive Gameplay
Does GTO Wizard's Poker Arena offer real money poker games? No, BUT that doesn't mean the games aren't competitive. GTO Wizard has 'gamified' free online poker in a way that no other site has done before. They've developed a chess ELO-rating equivalent, that means every match, every win, every decision matters and works towards determining your ranking score. Climb the rankings to earn rewards - such as GTO subscriptions, all for free!
GTO Wizard Poker Arena - Competitive Gameplay
Poker Hand Analysis
Learn from your past mistakes and work on improving your poker game with GTO's hand analysis. After playing matches, you can later go back through each hand and analyse them to your heart's content. This is an essential aspect of the studying side of poker and what's more, you're getting access to GTO Wizard resources absolutely free!
GTO Wizard - Poker Arena hand analysis
Community
One of GTO Wizard's strongest plus points is the community it has built. Not only can you play free online poker games against opponents across the world, but you'll also by default become a member of the wider GTO community upon signup. This gives you access to such perks as the GTO Discord, comprised of 60,000 members (and rising!), where you can discuss the game you love, compare hands and unload your bad beat stories.
GTO Wizard Poker Arena - Community
The Best GTO Wizard Bonus - 10% Discount
The best GTO Wizard bonus is PokerNews' own exclusive 10% discount off GTO Wizard products.
Given that you don't deposit money to play on GTO Wizard's Poker Arena, we can't offer you a typical welcome bonus that involves a matched deposit offer, but we can do even better than that. If you're looking to progress your poker skills and learn some more complex aspects of the game to compete at a higher level, a discount on GTO Wizard's wide catalogue of learning resources could be infinitely valuable.
To claim it, all your have to do is click the link in the widget below and signup for a GTO Wizard account through our exclusive link.
How to Play Free Online Poker on GTO Wizard's Poker Arena in Australia
Ready to get started? Follow these quick steps, and you could be battling it out in the Poker Arena or building your knowledge through one of thousands of GTO Wizard's hand solutions.
Getting started with GTO Wizard
Step 1: GTO Wizard
Click the link in the widget below to visit GTO Wizard and ensure you're eligible for the exclusive PokerNews 10% discount.
Step 2: Create an Account
Either create a GTO Wizard account or login to your existing account if you're already a customer.
Step 3: Navigate to Poker Arena
Navigate to the Poker Arena section of the site. There is no GTO Wizard app at the time of writing, but you can access the site on both desktop or mobile.
Step 4: Start Competing
Start competing against real-life opponents. Improve your ranking, climb the leaderboards and earn real rewards based on your play. You can even invite your friends to join and launch your own private game.
GTO Wizard is truly unique. On the one side, you have an educational training site that's full of resources that will improve your game. These include both paid tools and free charts, solutions and materials that will take your game to the next level. Then, you also have a free online poker platform to apply your knowledge.
Overall, it's a great option for Aussie players and my go-to site to learn the theory behind different poker spots.
When evaluating poker sites and apps for Australian players, we don’t just pick names out of a hat. We do work with operators, but any site or app we promote is always legal, fair and safe, and our reviews and opinions are honest and unbiased. At PokerNews, we consider several key factors when ranking and endorsing poker sites and free-to-play apps alike:
1. Legality and Safety: Only platforms that operate legally under Australian law and offer free-to-play poker are recommended. Replay Poker and WSOP Poker both meet these standards.
2. Player Experience: We look for smooth gameplay, fair tables, and active communities. Both sites offer excellent reliability and a steady stream of opponents.
3. Variety of Games: While Texas Hold’em dominates, we also favor platforms that offer Omaha or other popular variants to keep play engaging.
4. Accessibility:Replay Poker, WSOP Poker and GTO Wizard work seamlessly across desktop and mobile devices, ensuring Australians can play anywhere.
5. Social Features: Modern poker isn’t just about cards - it’s about community. Replay Poker’s clubs and WSOP’s interactive tournaments give both apps a strong social dimension.
Why Play Free Poker Online in Australia?
Free poker apps and sites let you enjoy the game’s strategic depth and excitement without financial risk. Whether you’re a new player learning hand rankings or a seasoned pro staying sharp, play-money poker provides all the fun of real poker without the downsides.
Benefits of Free Poker
100% legal and compliant under Australian law
Build real poker skills in a safe setting
Great for social play and casual competition
Ideal for learning bankroll management and tournament structure
Real Money online poker in Australia is illegal. Sites that offer free online poker games (for no real money) are legal.
Can I play Poker online for real money in Australia?
No, real money online poker in Australia has been banned since 2017. It is, however, legal to play on free online poker games.
What are the best free online poker sites?
A list of the best free online poker sites can be found right here on PokerNews. See our Free Online Games section.
Which online poker site is the best in Australia?
WSOP Poker and Replay Poker are two of the best online poker sites in Australia. Both offer a wide community, strong software and a range of poker games to play.
Is online poker coming back to Australia?
While we cannot rule out that legal, real money online poker will one day return to Australia, at the moment there are no definitive plans to legalize it in the immediate future.
What happens if you get caught online gambling in Australia?
If you get caught gambling online (for real money), such as playing poker, in Australia, it’s unlikely you’ll be prosecuted. The government is more intent on cracking down on operators that offer these games, rather than the people playing them. However, we do not recommend playing illegally and good alternatives are available.
Can I play live poker in Australia?
Yes, you can play live poker legally in Australia. However, the exact laws and regulations may vary between each state, so it’s important to check your local gambling laws before playing. What’s more, it’s widely outlawed for a person not involved in a poker game to profit (e.g. a third party charging rake).
Are poker winnings taxed in Australia?
No, poker winnings are not taxed in Australia as they are seen as gambling winnings.
When was poker made illegal in Australia?
Online poker was made illegal in Australia in 2001, though many players still played on offshore sites and not much was done to crack down on this illegal activity. However, ammendments made to the 2001 Interactive Gambling Act in 2017 imposed heavier restrictions and stronger punishments to sites operating illegally - practically ending online poker in Australia overnight.
Is PokerStars in Australia?
No, PokerStars does not operate in Australia. PokerStars is the world’s biggest poker brand, and adheres to local restrictions and laws in all regions. Therefore, it complies with Australian regulations and does not operate down under.
Can I play online poker in Australia with a VPN?
Yes, you technically could play online poker in Australia using a VPN. However, laws clearly forbid players playing online poker for real money in the region. Therefore, we wouldn’t recommend using a VPN, and in doing so you’ll be risking any subsequent prosecution that could legally be bestowed on you.
Ben Weiss is an SEO specialist with a content-writing background. He joined PokerNews in August 2022 and has been a big fan of poker since 2016. His biggest poker achievement is turning winning $3,500 from a $2.50 PokerStars SCOOP event.
