What is changing in Australian online betting rules?
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.
Pages in this section
- 01The Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Act 2026, in plain termsGambling Reform Act 2026: what changes for punters in 2027
- 02The NCPF for online wagering: measures that affect you as a customerNational Consumer Protection Framework: what bookmakers must do
- 03Site changelogChangelog: what changed on the site, by date
- 04What changed in the ACMA register since the last snapshot?Register watch: changes in the ACMA register by snapshot
- 05Gambling Reform Act receives Royal AssentAct No. 72, 2026: Gambling Reform Act receives Royal Assent
- 06Dabble Sports and BetStop breaches: what ACMA publishedACMA: Dabble Sports penalty and undertaking, 16 September 2026
- 07Links and referrals to illegal services: ACMA's October warningsACMA warning over promoting an illegal gambling site, 22 Oct
Timeline
| 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. For deposits, see paying a bookmaker. For tools, see 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. To exclude yourself from licensed Australian online and phone wagering providers, register with BetStop at 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.