The history of gambling in Australia stretches back to colonial times, though it wasn’t until 1973 that the first lawful casino opened its doors in Tasmania. Since that time, legal gambling activities like lotteries, casinos, poker machines, and sports betting have seen substantial growth. Recently, companies offering online betting have also achieved legal status to accept wagers virtually.
The Longstanding Tradition of Horse Racing and Lotteries in Australia
When discussing Australia’s fascination with gambling, horse racing emerges as a pivotal element driving nationwide interest. Racing bets have been placed in Sydney's Hyde Park since as early as 1810.
The Melbourne Cup, hosted by the Victorian Turf Club from 1861, is a premier horse racing event held annually on a Spring Tuesday in November where thoroughbreds compete for a grand prize exceeding $8 million.
Besides horse racing, Australia has a robust history of lottery gambling. While private lotteries trace back to the 1880s, official government-run lotteries surfaced in the 1920s, turning into significant financial engines for state and territory administrations, with revenues supporting numerous national initiatives.
Growth of Casinos and Sports Betting
Following the inception of Hobart's first casino in 1973, similar establishments began to open their doors in regions like Alice Springs, Darwin, and Launceston, eventually leading to mega-casinos in major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth. These casinos have, however, faced challenges including controversies over tax evasion and involvement in money laundering and crime.
In 1993, Sportsbet paved the way by obtaining a license to provide bookmaking services. Although illicit betting on sports like rugby and football occurred prior, more companies soon acquired legal licenses, offering consumers diverse wagering opportunities often enhanced with attractive promotions.
History of Online Gambling
The past twenty years have observed a surge in Australia's online betting sector. Attempting to regulate unlicensed gambling operations, the federal government enacted the Interactive Gaming Act (IGA) in 2001, establishing initial rules for online betting for Australian residents. These regulations have continually evolved alongside changes in gambling services.
The Interactive Gaming Act encompasses any form of online gambling, including betting through mobile devices and activities at online casinos, sportsbooks, lotteries, or poker machines. Offshore gaming sites are forbidden from offering services to Australians unless they obtain a state or territorial license.
Furthermore, to tackle problematic gambling and protect minors, the government introduced the National Consumer Protection Framework. This policy curtails advertising, banking choices, and other gambling-related aspects (both online and offline) to help curb addiction and significant financial losses.
