The difference between online and offline casino ages
In Australia, the minimum age for gambling - both online and terrestrial - is the same: 18. But verification mechanisms, operator liability and access conditions vary.
1. Single threshold: 18 years
Online gambling: The federal Interactive Gambling Act 2001 prohibits the provision of interactive gambling to persons under 18 years of age.
Offline casinos: All states and territories set an entry threshold of 18 years for gyms, betting shops and gambling establishments.
2. Age verification
| Platform | How to check age |
|---|---|
| Online casino | • Downloading scanned documents (passport, driver's license) |
| • Electronic verification via banking APIs | |
| • Revalidation for large payments | |
| Offline casino | • ID check at the entrance (passport, driver's license) |
| • Employee visually verifies photos and document data |
Online: the system blocks access until verification, sometimes using KYC third-party verification services.
Offline: the guest will not be allowed inside without presenting a "face" ID; if in doubt, the guard may require another document.
3. Responsibility of operators
1. Online operators
Fines of up to AUD 1.1 million per day for admitting a minor to interactive games.
Duty to continuously monitor new registrations.
2. Offline operators
Fines and licence suspension for selling gambling services to people under 18.
Internal protocols of personnel training on ID verification.
4. Conditions of access and self-exclusion
Online
The ability to instantly "self-exclusion" for a period of 24 hours to several years.
The player can block himself in a single system of all licensed operators.
Offline
Self-exclusion is issued in a specific casino or network.
Often requires a personal visit or written statement.
5. Features of regional regulation
In some territories (for example, the Northern Territory), online betting services for sporting events before the start of the match are regulated separately from interactive games, but the age is always 18 +.
Lottery tickets and kiosk sweepstakes are also available from the age of 18 onsite without online verification.
6. Practical recommendations
1. Before registering online
Please prepare a valid digital ID.
Check the Responsible Play section on the operator's website and set up deposit and time limits.
2. When visiting an offline casino
Take your passport or driver's license with you.
Check out the venue's rules: possible areas without access for new players.
3. Self-monitoring plan
Use limits (deposit, rates, time) in both online and offline formats.
At the first sign of loss of control, activate the self-exclusion option.
Result
Although the minimum age for online and offline casinos in Australia is the same - 18 years, the verification procedure, operator liability and self-protection mechanisms differ significantly between digital platforms and terrestrial establishments. Understanding these differences will help you comply with the law, protect yourself and maintain control over the game.
