Age policy for sports and fantasy sports betting
In all Australian jurisdictions, the minimum age for sports betting and fantasy league participation is 18. Operators are required to check the age before the first bet and apply uniform protection standards.
1. Legal framework and age threshold
Interactive Gambling Act 2001 and State Betting Acts set a threshold of 18 years for any kind of online betting, including in-play, sweepstakes, fantasy tournaments.
Fantasy sports in most states are classified as a "money-winning contest" and are subject to the same age restrictions as regular betting.
2. Age verification requirements
1. KYC to first bid
Upload a photo of your passport or driver's license.
Automatic verification via Document Verification Service (DVS).
2. Bank Verification (ACIP)
Verification of full name and date of birth against AUSTRAC bank records.
3. Biometric verification
Selfie comparison with a photograph in the document; NFC passport reading on supported devices.
3. Differences in procedures for sports and fantasy sports
| Parameter | Sports Betting | Fantasy Sports |
|---|---|---|
| Legislative Classification | Interactive Betting | Skill contests\ |
| KYC required | Mandatory before first bid | Mandatory before registration |
| In-play bets | Require real-time geolocation | No geolocation, at the end of matches |
| Self-Exclusion | Single National Self-Exclusion | Included in BetStop Shared Registry |
*\* In a number of states, fantasy games are recognized as skill contests, however, the age threshold and validation remain the same. *
4. Regional nuances
Queensland, Victoria: strict geolocation requirements for in-play betting; fantasy applications work without live geo, but with hard KYC.
Northern Territory, ACT: Fantasy sports are allowed outside the Interactive Gambling Act, but licensed as a lottery contest with 18 +.
5. Self-monitoring and protection tools
1. Self-exclusion (BetStop)
Unified register: blocking bets and fantasy registrations for 24 h-life.
2. Deposit, loss and time limits
Set up to the first bet, required for each account.
3. Push notifications and reminders
Signals when 50%, 75% and 90% of budget or playing time limits are reached.
6. Practical recommendations
1. Users 18 +
Registration only on licensed platforms, complete KYC verification.
Setting limits before any bet or fantasy tournament entry.
2. Parents and guardians
Monitor devices and install parental filters (App Store/Google Play).
Explain the risks and legal threshold to the child.
3. To operators
Implement ACIP procedures before the first coefficient show or access to fantasy draft.
Conduct regular audits of KYC and geolocation software.
Result
Sports and fantasy sports betting in Australia is only available to adults (18 and over). Operators are required to provide strict age verification using KYC procedures, geolocation (for live bets), self-exclusion and set up limits. This ensures compliance with the Interactive Gambling Act, protection of vulnerable groups and a long-term sustainable market.
