FAQ: Frequently asked questions about age in online gambling
1. What is the minimum age for online gambling in Australia?
The minimum age is 18 years. Any bets on officially licensed platforms are allowed only after the user reaches this threshold according to Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
2. What is the basis of the "18 +" requirement?
Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA): a federal law that explicitly prohibits the acceptance of bets from persons under the age of 18.
State-level Acts: Additional requirements and penalties for the admission of minors are enshrined in the Gambling Regulation Act (VIC), Betting Act (NSW), etc.
3. How does an online casino age-check?
1. Age-gate: Enter date of birth at registration.
2. KYC procedures: downloading a scan of a passport or driver's license and confirming the address (receipt, statement).
3. eID services: alternative verification via AusID, Equifax or DocuSign ID, where the platform receives only the "age\_ verified" flag: true.
4. What documents are accepted for verification?
Passport or driver's license (color photo/scan).
To confirm the address - a utility bill or bank statement no older than three months.
When using eID services, copies are not transferred directly to the operator.
5. How long does it take to check?
Usually 1-2 working days. In case of incorrect scans or insufficient data, the platform may request additional documents - this will increase the period to 3-5 days.
6. Can I play in demo mode without verification?
Yes I did. All licensed casinos offer a free "Play for Fun" (demo) without age verification, but real bets are only available after a successful KYC.
7. What if I am not yet 18, but I accidentally registered?
Please delete your account immediately by contacting support and asking them to close your profile.
Do not try to bypass verification: this is a violation of the law and can lead to account blocking and other sanctions.
8. What are the consequences for the platform for admitting a minor?
ACMA penalties: Up to AUD 220,000 for each IGA violation identified.
Regional fines: AUD 5,000 to 100,000 and suspension of the provider's license.
Criminal liability: If false documents are used, the operator and those responsible can be prosecuted under the Criminal Code Act for fraud.
9. Can a minor bypass VPN verification?
VPN will hide the IP address, but will not cancel the KYC requirement. Without confirmation of documents, bets remain blocked. Large operators block known VPN servers and use device fingerprinting to detect bypasses.
10. What to do if the system fails and verification is denied?
1. Check the quality of the scans: a clear image, without glare and cropped edges.
2. If the data is correct, contact support with the request "Appeal verification decision" and attach additional documents.
3. Large platforms are required to consider such a request within 5-7 business days.
11. Where to complain about a dubious casino?
ACMA - for federal IGA violations: online form on acma website. gov. au.
eSafety Commissioner - for advertising and social media content.
State Commissions (VCGLR, OLGR, etc.) - if we are talking about regional licenses. Contacts of all bodies are available on their official websites.
12. How to retire or self-exclude?
Self-Exclusion: a function on the platform that blocks access for a period of one month to several years.
Cool-Off: a temporary break (from 24 hours to 30 days) without completely closing the account.
Help contacts: Gambling Help Online (1800 858 858), mutual aid groups and professional consultants.
Conclusion:
The minimum age is 18 years. Any bets on officially licensed platforms are allowed only after the user reaches this threshold according to Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
2. What is the basis of the "18 +" requirement?
Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA): a federal law that explicitly prohibits the acceptance of bets from persons under the age of 18.
State-level Acts: Additional requirements and penalties for the admission of minors are enshrined in the Gambling Regulation Act (VIC), Betting Act (NSW), etc.
3. How does an online casino age-check?
1. Age-gate: Enter date of birth at registration.
2. KYC procedures: downloading a scan of a passport or driver's license and confirming the address (receipt, statement).
3. eID services: alternative verification via AusID, Equifax or DocuSign ID, where the platform receives only the "age\_ verified" flag: true.
4. What documents are accepted for verification?
Passport or driver's license (color photo/scan).
To confirm the address - a utility bill or bank statement no older than three months.
When using eID services, copies are not transferred directly to the operator.
5. How long does it take to check?
Usually 1-2 working days. In case of incorrect scans or insufficient data, the platform may request additional documents - this will increase the period to 3-5 days.
6. Can I play in demo mode without verification?
Yes I did. All licensed casinos offer a free "Play for Fun" (demo) without age verification, but real bets are only available after a successful KYC.
7. What if I am not yet 18, but I accidentally registered?
Please delete your account immediately by contacting support and asking them to close your profile.
Do not try to bypass verification: this is a violation of the law and can lead to account blocking and other sanctions.
8. What are the consequences for the platform for admitting a minor?
ACMA penalties: Up to AUD 220,000 for each IGA violation identified.
Regional fines: AUD 5,000 to 100,000 and suspension of the provider's license.
Criminal liability: If false documents are used, the operator and those responsible can be prosecuted under the Criminal Code Act for fraud.
9. Can a minor bypass VPN verification?
VPN will hide the IP address, but will not cancel the KYC requirement. Without confirmation of documents, bets remain blocked. Large operators block known VPN servers and use device fingerprinting to detect bypasses.
10. What to do if the system fails and verification is denied?
1. Check the quality of the scans: a clear image, without glare and cropped edges.
2. If the data is correct, contact support with the request "Appeal verification decision" and attach additional documents.
3. Large platforms are required to consider such a request within 5-7 business days.
11. Where to complain about a dubious casino?
ACMA - for federal IGA violations: online form on acma website. gov. au.
eSafety Commissioner - for advertising and social media content.
State Commissions (VCGLR, OLGR, etc.) - if we are talking about regional licenses. Contacts of all bodies are available on their official websites.
12. How to retire or self-exclude?
Self-Exclusion: a function on the platform that blocks access for a period of one month to several years.
Cool-Off: a temporary break (from 24 hours to 30 days) without completely closing the account.
Help contacts: Gambling Help Online (1800 858 858), mutual aid groups and professional consultants.
Conclusion:
- The minimum age of 18 is not just a formality, but a guarantee of the safety and legality of online games. A clear understanding of verification procedures, possible errors and complaint channels will allow players and their loved ones to comply with the rules and protect their rights.
