Casinos in ACT

Online Casinos in ACT

Despite its tiny size, Australian Capital Territory (ACT) boasts the country's capital and seats of power, but also one of its best land-based casinos.

And better news is that in 2024, residents in the capital and surrounds can log on to their computers and play lots of lovely real-money casino games without fear of prosecution.

With so many overseas gambling sites offering action to ACT players, the only choice Canberrans will have is deciding what game to play.

Get the latest info for the ACT gambling scene:

  • Discover the ins and outs of online gambling in ACT
  • Find the best online casinos for players in ACT
  • Get a great welcome bonus when you join one of our top rated online casinos today

Capital Info

Region Stats
  • Home to just 385,600 people
  • Capital City is Canberra
  • Casino Canberra was the first legal casino to open in the ACT
  • Overseen by the ACT Gambling and Racing Commission

Canberra is Australia’s capital city and home to around 386,000 residents, making it the eight-largest city of the country. Despite being nicknamed the “Bush Capital” due to the lush greenery that surrounds it and the extensive parks inside it, the city is an example of a planned urban development and is the fruit of the American architects Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin, who conceived of a city-plan composed of striking geometrical shapes.

A curious fact about Canberra is that it was chosen as the site of the nation’s capital in 1908 as a compromise between Sydney and Melbourne, which at the time where vying for that honour themselves.

Since its founding, Canberra has grown into a vibrant and cosmopolitan city. Sitting at the heart of the capital, by the shore of Lake Burley Griffin, are the old and new Parliament Houses, as well as numerous attractions such as museums containing various collections that reflect Australia’s historic and cultural heritage.

The diverse geography of the region, coupled with an oceanic climate that is characterised by dry, hot summers and chilly winters, make Canberra an excellent travel destination that can be enjoyed in every season.

For those inclined to be more active on their holidays, there is an extensive network of parks and reserves criss-crossed with hiking and cycling trails which offer plenty of opportunities to explore the area. The city itself is also a bustling hub of activities, with stylish restaurants, bars and shops dotting the streets, and a calendar packed with exciting events all year round.

Popular ACT Casinos

Gambling in ACT and Canberra

Gaming in ACT is governed by the Casino Control Act 2006 and the Gaming Machine Act 2004. They regulate casino and pokies action in the small state with regulated horseracing, sportsbetting and lotteries also permitted.

While ACT tried to implement its own laws in 1998 overseeing online gambling (the Interactive Gambling Act 1998), this was effectively superseded by a Commonwealth Government bill three years later.

The countrywide Interactive Gambling Act of 2001 prohibits Aussie gambling firms from offering online casino games to residents in ACT and elsewhere.

Of course, that hasn't stopped the big overseas sites moving in, and as of 2024, ACT players can enjoy legal roulette and pokies action from the comfort of their own home.

Live Action Thrills

Gambling in ACT and Canberra

When it comes to land-based casinos, players in ACT are restricted to virtually one player, Casino Canberra (www.casinocanberra.com.au).

The flagship live casino was taken over in 2024 but that just means bigger and better gambling for local residents and visitors alike.

"The Heart & Soul of The City" is open from 12 noon until 4am every day, and boasts roulette, Pai Gow, blackjack, mini-baccarat (a bit like Punto Banco) and a local casino variant, Canberra Poker.

There's also hotel accommodation, poker tournaments every week, and the best bars in the area.

How to Find the Best Online Casino

If you're looking for top casino action a little closer to home (as in, your front room or kitchen) you'll want to find the same, great roulette and blackjack action online.

That's why it's vital to find the best casinos on your PC or Mac for download or instant-play. These casinos never sleep: you can play at 11am, midnight or 3am if you want, and there'll be no heavy security guy telling you to put your shoes on.

But as with the best betting sites, great casinos for residents of ACT come with reliable security to ensure your money is safe, and independent auditing so that every Random Number Generator and spin of the wheel is random.

After all, how do you really know that website you've just logged onto is safe for players in Canberra? All you need to do is read our leading reviews for total peace of mind.

Hunt Out Top Bonuses When Signing Up

Top Bonuses When Signing Up ACT

Once you've picked a great place to play online, the next thing you have to do is find a good welcome bonus.

ACT residents don't have a lot of land-based casino benefits to call upon, so bagging a good deposit bonus on sign-up is vital. These can prolong your play and ensure your bankroll looks a lot healthier come the end of the month.

Here, our team works to ensure you have the best choice of casinos that accept Aussie dollars, have 24/7 customer support that's right for Australians, and proven cash-outs so you aren't left waiting for your winnings. The only job you'll have is picking somewhere to play.

Australian Capital Territory FAQ:

Is online casino gambling legal in ACT?

Sure it is, as long as the online casinos are registered overseas. There are even casinos created by Australians for fellow Australians, which are registered overseas. There are no specific laws regulating Australian Capital Territory in particular.

What gambling laws should I know?

None. As a player based on the territory of Australia, you can never be penalized – Australian and Commonwealth gaming laws are centred on the casino operators, not on the players.

What is the minimum legal age?

At 18 and beyond you can play any game at any online or live casino.

How are casinos regulated in ACT?

Casinos are controlled by the Commonwealth Interactive Gambling Act 2001, Gaming Machine Act 2004, and Casino Control Act 2006. The Interactive Gambling Act forbids Australian casinos to function on Australian ground, while the Gaming Machine Act and the Casino Control Act regulate online casinos registered in other countries.

Do I need to pay taxes on winnings?

No. Australian law considers gaming to be a recreational activity based on luck, and so your winnings are all your own. Australia is one of just a handful of countries who take this progressive view of gaming.

What does the future hold?

Right now there are no foreseeable changes planned for online gaming legislation, so go and play to your heart’s content!

What are the best live casinos in the area?

There is only one live casino in the area and that is the Casino Canberra. It is not very large, and it does not have poker machines, but it offers various games on as many as 39 tables.

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