Australian Online Poker Guide
Ranking the best online poker rooms that are legally licensed and regulated to accept Australian players.
Poker has gained momentum over the last few decades, and has been legitimized as a game of skill in most regions. From high stakes poker tournaments to amateur games with friends, poker is one of the most popular forms of gambling out there. Australians are quite fond of it themselves, as evidenced by the many poker rooms located within brick-and-mortar casinos. Online poker has established a strong presence in the online gambling industry as technology has developed over the years and Aussies have the means to participate through offshore poker room sites.
This page was developed to inform residents on the governing laws relevant to poker, which poker rooms are available to Aussie players and how these poker rooms work. Being an informed player promotes safe and responsible gambling and this guide will leave you with a solid understanding of the Australian online poker industry as well as general information about online gambling in Australia.
Is Online Poker Legal In Australia?
Yes and no. Australia has domestically based online poker rooms, but the Interactive Gambling Act of 2001 (IGA) bars these sites from accepting Australian players. Australians can play online poker legally through licensed offshore gambling sites. Domestic gambling regulation is left up to individual territories in Australia, but the ban on online poker is nationwide thanks to the IGA. There are a number of popular offshore poker sites that are legally sanctioned and regulated. These sites cater to Aussie punters and there are no laws against betting with licensed offshore gambling sites.
Most Trusted Legal Online Poker Sites For Australians (Play In AUD)
This following list is made up of trusted online poker brands that have been vetted by our team of industry professionals. Our quality assurance checks for legal licensing, poker variations, strong security profiles and fair-use technology. These are the most trusted online poker rooms for Australians to play at.
| Site | Review | Bonus Offer | AU | Visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 100% Max $1,000 |  | Play now |
Online Poker In Australia - Getting Started With Real Money Play
1. Find A Reputable Online Poker Room That Accepts Aussie Bettors
In accordance with Australian law, you have to make sure you are betting with a licensed offshore gambling site to prevent any legal violations. You can find a list of reputable online poker rooms that accept Australian punters in the table above. These online poker brands have been in the online gambling industry for years and have established positive reputations in that time.
2. Create An Account
Creating an account with an online poker room is a simple process that only requires some personal information. This information is required for identity and legal verification purposes. You won’t be asked for any financial information when creating your account (this comes later when you are ready to make your first deposit). Once you have successfully made your account you can begin sampling games for free or you can move right into real money gaming.
3. Sample Different Poker Rooms Via Free Play
Once you have created an account you are able to begin playing in the different poker rooms without staking any of your own money. Free play allows you to familiarize yourself with the different poker games before getting into the real-money games. Most reputable offshore poker rooms offer several variations of free play poker. Playing for free is also a good way to learn new games or test out a new betting strategy without risking any money.
4. Deposit Funds Into Your Account
Once you are ready to start playing poker for real money, you will need to deposit funds into your account. You can deposit money into your account in several different ways, though these options differ from brand to brand: Credit/debit cards, Bitcoin, wire transfers, prepaid options and eWallets are some of the more common transaction methods with legal online gambling in Australia. Be sure to familiarize yourself with any relevant bonus offers that should be claimed when you make your first deposit.
5. Choose Your Game And Stakes And Start Playing
If you have completed the signup process and deposited money into your account, you are free to start playing in real-money games. You will find active tables 24/7 as well as an entire tournament schedule to participate in. If you are new to online poker, most sites have a well established educational section for learning the ropes.
6. Withdraw Your Winnings
Payouts work in a similar vein to deposits. You will have multiple payout options to choose from, though they also vary from site to site. Bitcoin is amongst the most popular payout methods because players are able to receive money the fastest with this method without incurring any additional fees. Wire transfers and cheques are other common payout options.
Australian Online Poker FAQ's
Are There Advantages To Playing Poker Online Versus Land-Based Games?
Yes. There are some significant advantages to playing poker online. The first thing to consider is bonuses. Bonuses are essentially free money that is added incrementally to your poker site account. Bonuses boost your betting power and gameplay longevity. Online poker sites provide a level of convenience and accessibility that land based poker rooms cannot compete with. Another nice perk at online poker sites is the ability to play multiple hands at once and participate in tournaments around the clock.
How Do I Fund My Poker Room Account?
You can deposit funds into your online poker room account by accessing the Cashier section of your account. Here you will be able to toggle between different deposit methods such as credit cards, debit cards, bitcoin, ewallets, money transfers, prepaid options and more. These methods will vary depending on the poker site you use as each one offers different payment methods and bonuses. Australian dollars are an accepted at most online poker sites as well as Australian online casinos. Those sites that don’t process transactions in AUD will provide currency conversion for your deposits and withdrawals.
What Types Of Poker Games Are Available?
Game versions will differ depending on which offshore gambling sites you use, but most reputable online poker room sites have the standard versions available. These include Texas Hold ‘Em, Omaha, Stud Poker and more. You are able to expand your playing action to multiple tables and hands if you choose to do so. There are also lively poker tournaments available through an active tournament schedule. It is not unusual for the tournaments to include qualifiers that award seats at prestigious land based poker events, such as the WSOP.
How Do I Know These Poker Rooms Are Fair?
All of the online poker brands listed in this guide hold compliance certifications for fairness. Government regulation and licensing comes with requirements for strict adherence to high standards. These sites employ RNG (random number generator) technology to ensure randomness with card draws, and this technology is also audited by third party agencies during the compliance certification process.
What Other Incentives Do These Offshore Poker Rooms Offer?
Bonuses are a huge incentive for players. These come in the form of free money that is added incrementally to your account. Bonuses allow you to play more without staking any more of your own money. You will find bonuses offered throughout the year as promotional and seasonal stimulus packages. Mobile betting allows you to take your poker action on the go. Free play is also a nice feature for new players looking to learn the game before diving in.