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In Australia, slots are "interactive gambling," so according to the federal Interactive Gambling Act 2001, they are strictly allowed from the age of 18. No operator has the right to allow betting on slots to persons under the age of majority.

1. Legislative basis

Interactive Gambling Act 2001 prohibits online casino and slot machine providers from offering their services to persons under 18 years of age.
In all states and territories, the age threshold is the same: 18 for any slot machine, online or offline.

2. Age confirmation procedures

1. KYC to first bid

Before playing on the slots, the user is obliged to provide a document with the date of birth: passport, driver's license or birth certificate.
2. Document Verification Service (DVS)

Operators send a scan of the document to DVS for instant authentication and date of birth.
3. ACIP (bank verification)

Through AUSTRAC-accredited APIs, full name and date of birth are checked against bank records, which additionally excludes attempts to falsify.

3. Technical and administrative barriers

Automatic account blocking in case of data mismatch: until the details are clarified, bets and withdrawals are impossible.
Regular audits of KYC processes and registration logs from ACMA and regional regulators.
National Register of Self-Exclusion (BetStop): persons entered into it cannot play poker even with the correct age.

4. Responsibility of operators

Fines up to AUD 1.1 million per day for admission <18 years and up to AUD 220,000 per day for the responsible person within the company.
Suspension or cancellation of a license for systematic violations of the age threshold.

5. Practical recommendations to players

1. Do not hide anything: indicate the real date of birth at registration to avoid blocking.
2. Prepare documents: passport or rights at hand before the first bet.
3. Use compliant platforms: Select licensed operators with transparent KYC policies.

Result

The minimum age for playing pokies (slots) in Australia is 18. Rigorous verification through Interactive Gambling Act, DVS and ACIP, automatic locks and heavy fines for operators ensure that only adults are allowed to slot machines.