If you’re looking to get started in the world of online casinos in Australia, you need to make sure you know how to choose the right site. There are plenty of options out there, but some are a lot better than others… and picking the best one for you can make all the difference.
Here, we bring you all the best online casinos in Australia, how to choose the right one for you, how to sign up and play, and everything you need to know to get you off to the very best start.
Top Online Casinos in Australia
- Cobra Casino
- Smokace Casino
- Wild Tokyo Casino
- NeoSpin Casino
- RoyalFortune Casino
- LuckyOnes Casino
- RollingSlots Casino
- LetsLucky Casino
What To Look for When Choosing the Best Australian Casino for You
Choosing the best Australian online casino is about a lot more than just the bright, flashy images and promises of big bonuses. Because there are so many options available, it’s important that you take a lot more factors into consideration… factors that affect not just your enjoyment, but even more importantly, your safety and long-term satisfaction.
Here are the main areas we consider when putting together our list of top sites – and what you need to look at before deciding which Aussie casino to trust with your time, information, and money.
Licensing and Regulation
The first step is making sure that the casino is operating under a reputable licence. While Australia currently restricts various forms of online gambling, there are plenty of decent offshore operators that accept Australian players and are fully-licensed by respected authorities such as the Malta Gaming Authority or the UK Gambling Commission… so you can be assured of their trustworthiness and fairness. If it has a licence, it means that the casino is being held to the highest standards of fairness, security, and responsible gambling. Also, make sure it’s protected by SSL encryption technology (by looking for the padlock sign in the URL bar).
A Great Game Selection
A great Australian casino should offer a solid selection of games – of all types, including slots, table games, live dealer games, and specialty titles… some might even offer sports betting as well! And they should have games from lots of different providers as well – including the most renowned industry names like Microgaming, NetEnt, Playtech, etc, so you can be assured of the highest quality games – with completely fair outcomes.
Safe, Secure and Convenient Payment Methods
You also need to have access to a variety of safe, secure, and convenient payment options. The top sites will offer all the standard options – like credit and debit cards (Visa and MasterCard) as well as eWallets like PayPal, Skrill and Neteller, POLi, Prepaid Cards and vouchers – and some might even offer cryptos. However, make sure that there are no hidden fees, the withdrawal limits aren’t too low, and cashouts aren’t too slow.
Generous and Fair Bonuses and Promotions
Welcome bonuses can look big – and very appealing, but you need to read the terms and conditions carefully. Look for one that comes with reasonable wagering requirements, is eligible for games you like playing, and has various other ongoing promotions that add extra value to your time at the casino. If you’re a regular player, you might also want to look for a decent loyalty program as well.
Compatible on Mobile
Whether you like playing on phone, tablet, or desktop, the best casinos will make sure you get the best experience no matter what device you choose. If it has a responsive website or dedicated app, you can enjoy the ultimate experience on the go.
Excellent Customer Support
Having a decent customer support team can make a huge difference to your whole experience. Ideally, a casino should offer 24/7 assistance that you can contact via live chat, email, or phone – and an FAQ section is also preferred. You also want to make sure that the responses are quick, helpful, and professional – as you don’t want to be left waiting for too long!
Ultimately, you want to enjoy your casino experience, safe in the knowledge that you and your money are being protected.
The Different Bonuses and Promotions at Top Casinos
As we touched on earlier, bonuses should be part of what you look at when choosing your casino – and they can be a massive draw for a lot of Australian players. However, not all offers are created equal.
So, let’s take a look at some of those bonuses you might come across…
Welcome Bonuses
The very first offer you’ll see – and usually the biggest of them all – is the welcome bonus. Most casinos will offer you a match deposit offer, which essentially means it will double the amount you have to play with – up to a certain amount… potentially hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
So, for example, if you claim a 100% bonus up to $500 and make a $400 deposit, you’ll end up with $800 to play with!
Free Spins
If you’re a slot player, these are well worth a look – as they let you spin the reels of slot games for free… either as part of a welcome bonus offer or as an existing player offer. Generally, they’re tied to specific games, so you can try them without using your own money.
No Deposit Bonuses
These are rare but highly sought-after – and they give you either a small amount of money or free spins just for signing up… no deposit required. Although they usually come with higher wagering requirements and often have a maximum win cap, they’re a risk-free way to test out the casino before you decide whether or not to spend your money on it.
Cashback
Some top Aussie casinos offer cashback promotions that essentially refund you a percentage of your losses over a set period of time… daily, weekly, or monthly. It can be a great safety net if you’re going through a winning streak.
Loyalty and VIP Programs
The top casinos will often reward their most loyal and big-spending players with goodies such as loyalty points, special and exclusive bonuses, quicker withdrawals, higher withdrawal limits and even your own personal account manager.
However, no matter what bonus you go for, make sure you check terms such as wagering requirements, game restrictions, and time limits before you claim it. The best offers are those that come with transparent… and achievable terms.
What Casino Games to Look For
When deciding which Australian casino to go for, it’s probably the variety and quality of games on offer that will end up being the deciding factor. Here are the games you should find on offer:
Online Slots
Slots are generally the most popular types of games with casino players out there - coming in all different themes with various payline structures and bonus features. From classic three-reel fruit-machine type games to the highest-tech cinematic video slots, there’s something for everyone.
Want that life-changing win? Then the top sites will offer progressive jackpots, such as Mega Moolah, that can pay out millions.
Table Games
If you’re someone who prefers games of skill and strategy rather than just pure luck, then you’ll want to look for a casino that has a strong selection of blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker games. The best ones offer all different variants of the games… like European Roulette or Multi-Hand Blackjack, to keep it all fresh.
Live Dealer Games
These are the games that bridge the gap between online and land-based play… and they’re getting ever more popular with Aussie casino players. The games are streamed in real-time to your screen (mobile, desktop, laptop – whatever) and are led by human dealers with interactive chat functions, so you can interact with the dealer… and even other players.
Some of the most popular live games to look out for include Live Blackjack, Live Roulette, and Live Baccarat – as well as game show style games like Crazy Time and Dreamcatcher.
Specialty Games
Lots of the best Australian casinos will also offer more niche, specialty games like keno, bingo, scratch cards, and virtual sports – which can be a refreshing change from the traditional classics.
Top Tip: Look to see who the game providers are. Ideally, they should have games from trusted developers like Evolution Gaming, Pragmatic Play, and NetEnt so you can be assured of high-quality, fair, and fun gaming experiences.
How to Sign Up and Play at an Online Casino in Australia
Once you’ve looked through the sites and are happy with everything, it’s time to sign up. Joining an online casino in Australia is pretty straightforward – and should take just a few minutes.
1. Choose a Licensed Casino
Before you do anything else, you need to make sure you pick a site that has a gambling licence from a reputable authority like the Malta Gaming Authority, UK Gambling Commission, such as those on our list..
2. Open a New Account
Once you’ve decided what casino to go with, click on our link over to the site and hit the Sign-Up button (usually at the top left of the homepage). You’ll then need to enter your personal details – name, address, DOB, etc. It’s really important that, at this point, you make sure that what you enter matches what’s on your official ID, as you will be asked to verify it later on.
3. Set a Secure Password
When playing online, security is everything. Make sure you pick a password that is completely unguessable. Lots of the top casinos will also offer two-factor authentication for added protection.
4. Verify Your Account
Regulated Australian online casinos will need you to verify your account before they let you withdraw any money. You’ll probably be asked to provide them with a copy of your ID – such as driving license, passport or a utility bill before they let you withdraw any winnings.
5. Make Your First Deposit
Then, open up the cashier or banking section and choose your preferred payment method. Obviously, minimum, and maximum deposit limits vary by site, so make sure you know the limits. If you do want to claim the welcome bonus, make sure your first deposit qualifies.
6. Choose Your Game
When you’ve made your first deposit, it’s time to get exploring! You can look through all the different games on offer – slots, table games, live dealer games, whatever you like – and get playing. Our top recommended casinos will have all sorts of features like filters and search bars to make it even easier!
7. Play Responsibly
Most importantly, no matter what game you choose, make sure you play responsibly. Set yourself time-outs and deposit limits, set yourself a budget and stick to it… and always have fun! The top Australian casinos will have plenty of responsible gambling tools to help you stay on top of it all.
That’s it! You’re ready to play!
Payment Options for Australian Players
So, when you are playing at an online casino in Australia for real money, you’ll find plenty of banking options available. You need to make sure you choose the one that suits you the best. Some of the most popular options available to you include…
- Credit and Debit Cards: Practically all real money Australian casinos will accept Visa and Mastercard – and offer quick deposits. However, withdrawal times can vary from 1 to 5 business days, so be prepared for that. While they’re very convenient, there are some banks in Australia that restrict gambling transactions, so make sure you check first.
- E-Wallets: Online wallets like PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller are really popular because they’re quick and secure. Deposits are instant, and withdrawals are usually processed in under 24 hours – and they let you keep your bank details private. However, sometimes they can’t be used to claim bonuses.
- Bank Transfers: If you prefer traditional banking, then you’ll usually have the option to make a direct transfer. These are incredibly secure, but withdrawals can take a long time – sometimes over a week.
- Prepaid Cards and Vouchers: Options like Paysafecard are great if you have issues controlling the amount you spend – and want to keep your gambling money away from your other finances…. As you can only spend what you’ve loaded on the card or voucher. However, you won’t be able to use it for withdrawals.
- Cryptocurrency: Some casinos are also starting to accept cryptocurrencies – which is great because they’re anonymous and fast. But they can be incredibly volatile… so you could double or halve your winnings overnight!
What You Need to Consider When Choosing Your Preferred Payment Option
- Deposit/Withdrawal Limits: Make sure you know the minimum and maximum deposits and withdrawals… especially if you want to claim a bonus.
- Withdrawal Times: If you want quick withdrawals, you should opt for eWallets (or cryptos if available)
- Fees: Most decent casinos won’t charge you anything – but the payment provider might, so read the small print.
- Currency: If you choose a casino that accepts AUD, you won’t need to worry about any conversion fees
Our Top Tips for Playing Safely in Australia
- Preferably, pick a site that accepts AUD so you won’t be charged currency conversions (which can add up if you play a lot).
- Make sure it’s licensed, read up on its reputation, and read proper player reviews on it before you commit your time, money, and information.
- Check for fast withdrawals – especially if you’re paying with e-wallets or crypto.
- Make use of the responsible gaming tools on offer (such as deposit limits, etc).
- Be careful with bonuses – make sure you check wagering requirements and game contributions, etc.
- Set a budget, stick to it, and never be tempted to chase losses.
The Regulatory Landscape of Online Casinos in Australia
Before you do start playing, it’s important to have a basic understanding of Australia’s legal framework with regard to online gambling and casinos.
Under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA), it’s actually illegal for an online casino to specifically target Australians with real-money services… and advertising such services is also prohibited.
However, you won’t actually be committing any offence by partaking in online gambling, as officially, it’s only the operators that are restricted. As such, there’s a legal grey area that lets Australian players access offshore sites.
That being said, this does mean that players have to be a lot more careful when choosing their site – and make sure it’s legit and fair. Australia’s ACMA has blocked literally hundreds of unlicensed sites that have breached regulations – but there are still those out there that shouldn’t be accessed.
As such, when playing at an offshore casino, you need to be 100% sure you’re happy the site you’re going with is safe, secure, and trustworthy. Make sure it’s licensed, transparent and promotes customer safety – such as those recommended here.
Conclusion
Although online casinos operate in a legal grey area for Australians, there are still plenty of great offshore options that cater to Aussies – and stand out for their security, game selection, payouts, and overall experience.
Whether you’re a pokies fan, lover of the live dealer games, or a high roller, look through our list of recommended sites and you’ll find an option that’s just right for you. Remember, play smart, stay safe, and have fun!
FAQs
Are online casinos legal in Australia?
Although the Interactive Gambling Act restricts casinos from operating in Australia and offering services to Australian players, players are legally allowed to play at offshore-licensed casinos that accept Aussie customers.
How do I know a casino is safe?
Make sure that it’s licensed by a reputable authority (such as the UKGC or MGA), that it uses encryption technology, has lots of positive player reviews and offers plenty of responsible gambling tools.
Will I be able to play in AUD?
Yes, of course! Practically all top casinos will accept Aussie Dollars, so you’ll be able to enjoy all your favourite games without having to worry about any exchange rates!
How old do I need to be to play online casino games in Australia?
Legally, you’ll need to be at least 18 years old to play online casino games in Australia.
How fast can I withdraw my winnings?
It depends on the casino you choose and the payment method you go with. E-wallets are usually the quickest, and payout in 24 hours or under, while bank transfers can take up to seven days (sometimes longer).
Do all casinos offer bonuses?
Most decent casinos do – including things like welcome packages, free spins, and cashback, etc. However, make sure you read all the T&Cs carefully before you decide which ones to claim.
Can I play on my mobile device?
Yes, pretty much every decent casino will have been fully optimised to play either on mobile browsers or have a dedicated app for Android and iOS – and sometimes both.