Our Guide to Online Gambling in New South Wales

New South Wales is Australia’s most populous state and it has a long history of gambling. It is home to Sydney, the capital of Australia, it is just south of Queensland and north of Victoria, and also features the Australian Capital Territory, home of the Australian federal government. We’re here to teach you about about New South Wales online gambling laws and legal casinos in Australia more widely.

2024's Best Online Gambling Sites for New South Wales Players

We’ve listed our favourite casinos, sportsbooks and poker sites accepting players from New South Wales below. Pick a site and start playing!

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New South Wales Gambling History

A timeline of crucial moments in New South Wales online gambling history.

1810 – Australia’s first official horse race
1881 – Australia’s first lottery

New South Wales Gambling Laws

There is nothing in the state law that restricts residents playing at online casinos and this means that New South Wales residents are free to enjoy real money games on the internet whenever they want. Like the rest of Australia and many parts of the world, players residing in New South Wales must be at least 18 years of age to play online casinos.
SOURCE: New South Wales Gambling Laws

Lotteries and Art Unions Act (1901)

(1) The principal object of this Act is to ensure that, on balance, the State and the community as a whole benefit from lottery activities.

(2) This Act seeks to achieve that balance by allowing, in the public interest, the conduct of lottery activities subject to a system of regulation and control designed to protect players and the community through—

(a) restricting who may conduct and benefit from lottery activities, and
(b) ensuring the integrity and fairness of lottery activities, and
(c) ensuring the probity of those involved in the conduct of lottery activities, and
(d) minimising the potential for harm from lottery activities.

Casino Control Act (1992)

Primary objects of Act

(1) Among the primary objects of this Act are:

(a) ensuring that the management and operation of a casino remain free from criminal influence or exploitation, and

(b) ensuring that gaming in a casino is conducted honestly, and

(c) containing and controlling the potential of a casino to cause harm to the public interest and to individuals and families.

(2) All persons having functions under this Act are required to have due regard to the objects referred to in subsection (1) when exercising those functions.

Unlawful Gambling Act (1998)

The objects of this Act are as follows:

(a) to prohibit, in the public interest, certain forms of gambling,

(b) to prevent the loss of public revenue that is derived from lawful forms of gambling,

(c) to deter criminal influence and exploitation in connection with gambling activities.

Lotteries and Art Unions Act (1901)

(1) The principal object of this Act is to ensure that, on balance, the State and the community as a whole benefit from lottery activities.

(2) This Act seeks to achieve that balance by allowing, in the public interest, the conduct of lottery activities subject to a system of regulation and control designed to protect players and the community through—

Casino Control Act (1992)

Primary objects of Act

(1) Among the primary objects of this Act are:

(a) ensuring that the management and operation of a casino remain free from criminal influence or exploitation, and

(b) ensuring that gaming in a casino is conducted honestly, and

(c) containing and controlling the potential of a casino to cause harm to the public interest and to individuals and families.

Unlawful Gambling Act (1998)

The objects of this Act are as follows:

(a) to prohibit, in the public interest, certain forms of gambling,

(b) to prevent the loss of public revenue that is derived from lawful forms of gambling,

(c) to deter criminal influence and exploitation in connection with gambling activities.

Two-Up Act

Two-up is a form of illegal gambling in New South Wales, where it is banned except on designated commemorative days. It has its own Act, the Gambling (Two Up) Act.

The game involves wagering on heads or tails of a coin and is played as a way of commemorating the courage of Australian soldiers. You are liable for a $5,500 fine if you’re caught playing the game when you shouldn’t be.

Interactive Gaming Act

The Interactive Gaming Act 2001 made it an offence to offer or advertise real money in online interactive services to Australian residents. These laws don’t target the average citizen, though, and you can’t be punished just for gambling online.

New South Wales players have been approved to sign up to a large number of sites, including online bookmakers, legally.

New South Wales Australia Online Gambling FAQ

What are the best online gambling sites in New South Wales?

There are plenty of options, but you can check out our online casino reviews and online poker reviews for our recommendations.

Are online pokies legal in New South Wales?

Yes, it is absolutely legal to play real money online pokies in New South Wales.

Is it illegal to gamble online in New South Wales?

It is not illegal to gamble online in New South Wales. Australian gambling laws tend to go after those advertising or operating gambling sites, but players are safe.

Maddison Dwyer

Senior Writer & Queen of Cards

Maddison, a graduate from the University of Queensland with a degree in journalism, has turned her sharp analytical skills towards the casino world. Specializing in blackjack and roulette and more, she guides enthusiasts through the complexities of gambling strategies.

Her background in ethical storytelling enriches her approach, making her insights into casino gaming both trustworthy and engaging.

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