Gambling Reform Act receives Royal Assent
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
| 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.
This site follows the Act. We carry no promotional codes, and the advertising disclosure states how the site is paid. Other rule changes are on what is changing in the rules.
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.