How to play online poker from Australia - Is it legal to play poker in Australia ♥️

If you’re a fan of online poker and you’re living in Australia, you may have heard rumors that the game is banned in the country. But is this really the case? The answer is not as straightforward as you may think.

While it’s true that the Australian government passed legislation in ‍2017 that made it illegal for offshore online poker sites to offer their services to Australian players, it’s not technically illegal for Australians to play online poker.

Confused yet? Don’t worry, we’ve got the lowdown on all the ins and outs of online poker in Australia. In this guide, we’ll explore the history of online poker in Australia, the current legal landscape, and what options are available to Aussie players who still want to enjoy the game. So, let’s dive into the world of online poker in Australia.

Playing online poker from Australia – legal or not?

So, is it legal for Australians to play online poker? The answer is yes, but with some caveats. While it’s illegal for offshore online poker operators to offer their services to Australian players, it’s not illegal for Australians to play on these sites.

However, Australian players should be aware that there are risks associated with playing on offshore online poker sites, including the possibility of losing their money to unscrupulous operators.

In addition, Australian players should be aware that the Australian government is cracking down on offshore online poker sites, and there is a risk that these sites may be blocked by Australian internet service providers.

This means that if you’re an Australian player and you want to play online poker, it’s very important to select a reputable international online poker site that is licensed and regulated by a recognized gaming authority.

The risks of playing on international online poker sites

There are several risks associated with playing on international online poker sites for Australian players. Firstly, these sites are not subject to Australian laws and regulations, which means that players have no legal recourse if they are treated unfairly.

Secondly, there is a risk that these sites may engage in unfair practices, such as rigging their games to ensure that players lose or refusing to pay out player winnings.

In addition, there is a risk that offshore online poker sites may be blocked by Australian internet service providers, which would make it difficult for Australian players to access these sites. Finally, there is a risk that players may be scammed by unscrupulous operators who are looking to take advantage of unsuspecting players.

Which are the poker banned states in Australia?

While online poker is legal in Australia, there are some states that have banned the game. These states include South Australia (cities such as Adelaide and Coober Pedy) and Western Australia (cities such as Perth and Geraldton), which have both passed legislation that makes it illegal to play online poker.

In addition, the Northern Territory has banned online poker tournaments. The major cities affected by this are Darwin and Alice Springs. As an Australian player, it’s important to be aware of the laws in your state before you start playing online poker.

If you’re unsure whether online poker is legal in your state, it’s a good idea to consult with a legal professional who can advise you on your rights and obligations.

Legitimate websites that offer online poker to Australian players

Our team of experts have reviewed several international online poker websites that accept players from Australia. We subjected them to many stringent tests and only the 3 below were able to pass them all so we recommend them to you:

Betonline Poker

Betonline Poker is an online poker platform that offers a diverse range of poker games, tournaments, and promotions. With its user-friendly interface and a solid reputation in the online gambling industry, Betonline Poker has become a popular choice among poker enthusiasts.

One of the standout features of Betonline Poker is its wide variety of game options. Players can enjoy Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Seven-Card Stud, and several other poker variants. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, you’ll find suitable tables and stakes to match your skill level and bankroll.

The software used by Betonline Poker is sleek and intuitive, providing a smooth and seamless playing experience. The platform is available for both Windows and Mac users, and there is also a mobile version for players who prefer gaming on the go. The graphics are crisp, and the gameplay is fast and responsive, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the games.

Is Betonline Poker reputable?

Yes, Betonline Poker is a reputable online poker site. It has a legitimate operating license and has been going for several years now. In that time, Betonline Poker has worked hard to develop a solid reputation with its players.

Another aspect that sets Betonline Poker apart is its range of enticing promotions and bonuses. New players are welcomed with a generous sign-up bonus, and there are regular promotions and special offers for existing players, including reload bonuses, leaderboard contests, and exclusive freerolls.

CoinPoker

CoinPoker is a blockchain-based online poker platform that aims to provide a secure and transparent gaming experience for poker enthusiasts. First and foremost, CoinPoker’s use of blockchain technology ensures that the games are fair and tamper-proof. You can play poker to earn crypto at this site.

The platform utilizes a decentralized random number generator (RNG) that guarantees the integrity of the card dealing process. This transparency and fairness are crucial in the online poker industry, where players often have concerns about the legitimacy of the games.

One of the standout features of CoinPoker is its acceptance of cryptocurrency as the primary medium of exchange. The platform supports multiple cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and its native token, CHP. This crypto-centric approach allows for faster and more secure transactions, ensuring that deposits and withdrawals are processed promptly.

What kind of reputation does CoinPoker have?

The first thing to say here is that CoinPoker is a legitimate online poker website with a valid operating license from the Curacao Gaming Authority. It has been around since 2017, and after an indifferent start has made significant inroads to build a strong reputation with its players.

The user interface of CoinPoker is intuitive and user-friendly, making it easy for both experienced and novice players to navigate the platform. It has a well-designed lobby and provides a variety of game options, such as Texas Hold’em and Omaha, along with different table sizes and stakes. Additionally, CoinPoker offers both cash games and tournaments.

One aspect that sets CoinPoker apart from traditional online poker platforms is its reward system. The platform offers various promotions and loyalty programs that provide players with additional incentives and benefits.

This includes regular freeroll tournaments, rakeback rewards, and the opportunity to participate in the platform’s regular tournaments with guaranteed prize pools. You can play anonymously at CoinPoker by using cryptocurrency for your deposits and withdrawals.

SwC Poker

SwC Poker is an online poker platform that has gained popularity among players seeking a unique and decentralized gaming experience. As one of the pioneers in accepting and promoting Bitcoin as the primary currency, SwC Poker offers a refreshing approach to online poker with its commitment to privacy, fairness, and community. It is a legit online poker site.

One of the standout features of SwC Poker is its focus on anonymity. Players can create an account and start playing without the need to provide personal information or go through time-consuming verification processes. This commitment to privacy is highly appealing to those who value their online anonymity and want to enjoy a secure gaming environment.

Fairness and honesty at SwC Poker

The gameplay on SwC Poker is smooth and reliable, with a range of poker variants available, including Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Seven-Card Stud. The platform utilizes industry-standard Random Number Generation (RNG) techniques to ensure fair and unbiased outcomes for every hand dealt.

The platform boasts a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate, making it accessible to both novice and experienced poker players. The lobby provides a clear overview of the available games, including cash games, tournaments, and Sit & Go’s, with a variety of stakes to suit different bankrolls.

Additionally, SwC Poker offers a unique feature called “No Rake,” where players can enjoy the games without paying any traditional rake fees, ensuring that more of their winnings stay in their pockets. SwC Poker has an active and engaged community of players, fostering a lively atmosphere and offering opportunities for players to connect.

Unfortunately, Australian players cannot use GGPoker as Australia is on their restricted list.

Factors to consider before signing up with an online poker room in Australia

If you’re an Australian player who wants to play online poker, there are several factors that you should consider before signing up with an online poker room. Firstly, it’s important to choose a reputable online poker room that is licensed and regulated in a reputable jurisdiction.

This will ensure that your money is safe and that you’re playing on a fair and secure platform. The 3 sites that we discussed above are all reputable online poker sites that have provably fair games so you can play at them with confidence.

Secondly, you should consider the types of games that are available at the online poker room. Many online poker rooms offer a wide range of games, including Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Seven Card Stud. If you’re a beginner, it’s a good idea to choose an online poker room that offers low-stakes games, so that you can learn the ropes without risking too much money.

Finally, you should consider the bonuses and promotions that are available at the online poker room. Many online poker rooms offer rakebacks and other incentives, which can give you a head start when you’re just starting out. In addition, some online poker rooms offer loyalty programs, which can reward you for your continued play.

The history of online poker in Australia

Online poker has been around in Australia for over two decades. In the early days, the industry was largely unregulated, and players had access to a wide range of offshore online poker sites.

However, in 2001, the Australian government passed the Interactive Gambling Act (IGA), which made it illegal for online gambling operators to offer their services to Australian residents. The IGA was designed to protect Australians from the harmful effects of online gambling, including addiction and financial ruin.

Despite the IGA, many offshore online poker sites continued to offer their services to Australian players. In 2016, the Australian government decided to crack down on these sites, passing legislation that made it illegal for offshore online poker operators to offer their services to Australians.

This move was designed to protect Australian players from unscrupulous operators and to ensure that the Australian government received its fair share of tax revenue from the industry. It does not have the same online poker legal restrictions as Iran for example.

Final words

In conclusion, while it’s true that offshore online poker sites are not legal in Australia, it’s not illegal for Australians to play on these sites. However, there are risks associated with playing on offshore online poker sites, including the possibility of being scammed by unscrupulous operators.

As such, it’s important for Australian players to do their research before signing up with an online poker room and to choose a licensed and regulated site with a solid reputation. With a little bit of research and caution, Australian players can continue to enjoy the game of poker in a safe and secure environment.

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