IGT in Australia: Official availability and regulation
IGT in Australia: Official availability and regulation
Legislative framework
Australia is one of the countries with clear regulation of gambling. The main document is the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA), which prohibits operators from offering online casinos to Australians. This means that IGT slots on the Internet are not available for playing for money domestically.
However, the ban applies specifically to online gambling. The land sector - casinos, gaming halls and clubs - is completely legal and licensed at the state and territory levels. Here, IGT plays a leading role supplying its automata, control systems and operator solutions.
IGT presence in the ground sector
Clubs and bars: Australia is traditionally known for its "pokies" - slot machines available in pubs, clubs and hotels. A significant portion of these machines are manufactured by IGT.
Casinos: Major gambling venues in Sydney, Melbourne and other cities use the company's slots and systems.
Infrastructure: In addition to automata, IGT supplies software for accounting, analytics and responsible play.
Thus, the brand is officially present and actively working in the offline sector of the country, where it occupies a stable market share.
Online gaming and restrictions
Despite having a global presence in the iGaming segment, in Australia online IGT slots are not available to play for real money. Reasons:
For Australians, only demos or social games (no money bets) are available that are not covered by the IGA.
Regulation and supervision
Gambling in Australia is controlled on two levels:
Legislative framework
Australia is one of the countries with clear regulation of gambling. The main document is the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA), which prohibits operators from offering online casinos to Australians. This means that IGT slots on the Internet are not available for playing for money domestically.
However, the ban applies specifically to online gambling. The land sector - casinos, gaming halls and clubs - is completely legal and licensed at the state and territory levels. Here, IGT plays a leading role supplying its automata, control systems and operator solutions.
IGT presence in the ground sector
Clubs and bars: Australia is traditionally known for its "pokies" - slot machines available in pubs, clubs and hotels. A significant portion of these machines are manufactured by IGT.
Casinos: Major gambling venues in Sydney, Melbourne and other cities use the company's slots and systems.
Infrastructure: In addition to automata, IGT supplies software for accounting, analytics and responsible play.
Thus, the brand is officially present and actively working in the offline sector of the country, where it occupies a stable market share.
Online gaming and restrictions
Despite having a global presence in the iGaming segment, in Australia online IGT slots are not available to play for real money. Reasons:
- a federal ban on online casinos;
- obligations of suppliers to comply with geo-restrictions, including a ban on offering NetEnt, IGT and other brands in AU.
For Australians, only demos or social games (no money bets) are available that are not covered by the IGA.
Regulation and supervision
Gambling in Australia is controlled on two levels:
- 1. Federal: The IGA regulates the online sector by banning unlicensed services. 2. Staff: Each state has its own commissions and regulators, for example:
- Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) in Victoria;
- Liquor & Gaming NSW in NSW;
- Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation in Queensland.
These authorities issue licenses, monitor compliance with the rules and responsible gambling.
Importance of IGT to the Australian market
Cultural role: Slot machines are an important part of leisure activities, and IGT products have become a "benchmark" for local players.
Innovation: the company implements modern solutions, including loyalty systems and responsible play functionality.
Economy: Machines generate revenue for both clubs and casinos and the state through the tax system.
Result
IGT in Australia is primarily an official terrestrial gaming machine and technology provider. Online casinos with the company's products in the country are not available due to tight regulation, but the brand's offline presence makes it one of the pillars of the local gambling industry.
Thus, in Australia, IGT remains a symbol of quality and reliability in the "pokies" segment, continuing to strengthen its position in the legal market and meet the requirements of a strict regulatory system.
