The law and online pokies
When you play on an overseas site, you are dealing with a company in another jurisdiction. If you have a dispute over a withdrawal, a bonus, or anything else, you cannot take it to an Australian regulator. You would need to use the complaint process in the country where the site is licensed, which can be difficult and slow.
Some people assume that because the site is accessible, it must be legal. That is not the case. The law targets the supply, not the demand. So while you are unlikely to face prosecution for playing, you are also unlikely to have any legal recourse if the site treats you unfairly.
- In plain terms:interactive gambling law
- The Australian law that makes it illegal for online casinos to offer pokies to people in Australia. It applies to the operator, not the player.
What this means for your money
High-volatility pokies like Gates of Olympus are designed to produce long stretches without a win and occasional large payouts. The advertised return to player is a long-run average, not a promise for your session. Chasing a bonus round can cost far more than the bonus is worth, especially if you increase your bet to try to trigger it.
Remember that any money you deposit is money you can lose. There is no strategy that guarantees a win, and no bonus makes a game profitable in the long run. Set a limit before you start and stick to it.
How to think about legality
Some payment methods are blocked for online gambling in Australia, and banks may decline transactions. This is another sign that the system is not set up to support these sites. If you use a method that works, be aware that you may have no way to reverse a transaction if the site does not pay out.
Ultimately, the decision is yours. But it is worth being clear-eyed about the risks: no Australian regulator, no consumer protection, and no guarantee that you will see your money again.
Ranked on published figures, not on banners
Below is a comparison of popular pokies, showing their published return to player, volatility, maximum win, and number of lines.
| 1Starburst | 96.08% | — | 800x | NetEnt |
| 2Wolf Gold | 96.01% | Medium | 5,000x | Pragmatic Play |
| 3Queen of the Nile | 95.98% | Medium | 800x | Aristocrat |
| 4Pompeii | 95.96% | Medium | 1,500x | Aristocrat |
| 55 Dragons | 95.17% | Medium | 1,000x | Aristocrat |
Select a column heading to sort.
What people want to know first
Is it illegal to play online pokies in Australia?
It is not illegal for you to play online pokies, but it is illegal for an operator to offer them to you from within Australia. The law targets the supply, not the player.
Can I play at an overseas online casino from Australia?
You can access overseas sites, but they are not regulated by Australian authorities. That means you have no protection under Australian law if you have a dispute.
What happens if an overseas site refuses to pay me?
You would need to complain to the regulator in the country where the site is licensed. Australian regulators cannot help you because the site is outside their jurisdiction.
Are the bonuses on these sites safe?
Bonuses come with terms that can make it hard to withdraw winnings. Always read the conditions, especially the maximum bet and wagering requirements, before you deposit.