Are High Payout Online Casinos Legal in Australia? Latest News and Updates in 2025

With 6.8 million Australians gambling regularly, you’d be forgiven for assuming that online gambling is up and running without a hitch Down Under.

The reality is that most forms of online gambling continue to be prohibited here, thanks to the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. This has led to unregulated gambling sites making their way onto Australian shores over the years, amidst calls to fully legalise the industry.

But what is the future of online gaming in Australia, and will the laws be changed anytime soon? Join us as we take a comprehensive look in our feature article.

Is Online Gambling Legal in Australia?

The Interactive Gambling Act 2001 sought to clarify where Australia stood when it came to online gambling. It made it clear that online casinos were illegal here, and that stance hasn’t changed ever since.

In fact, most forms of online gambling continue to be prohibited at a federal level, with state territories left to decide their own stances when it comes to land-based casinos and sports betting.

That’s why land-based gambling is widely available across the country, as is sports betting (both online and offline). This means you can legally play pokies machines in Australia at licensed casinos.

However, there are still a few conditions. For one, while you can bet on sports pre-game, you can’t bet on sports in play. This is due to the fact that regulators are worried about the possibility that it can feed into betting addictions.

And while federal law decrees that retail wagering is permitted throughout the country, exactly how it’s enforced, as well as which sportsbook operators are granted a license, is determined by each respective state.

The History of Online Gambling Laws in Australia

Launch of The Interactive Gambling Act

• 2001: The Interactive Gambling Act is created, providing legislative guidelines and regulations for all forms of online gambling, while making clear which online gaming services can and cannot be legally offered in Australia.
• 2006: In a bid to crack down on money laundering, the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Act obligates all betting sites to thoroughly vet any new customers.
• 2010: The Competition and Consumer Act is designed to give bettors more control over their data, ensuring betting sites aren’t able to use it without their consent.

Changes to the IGA and Concerns About Problem Gambling

• 2013: A new government comes to power in Australia and vows to come down harder on illegal gambling sites.
• 2016: The Interactive Gambling Act is amended, giving more power to immigration departments and regulators to root out prohibited online casinos.
• 2018: Online keno betting is defined as illegal by the Lottery Betting Act.
• 2019: Australian gambling laws are amended amid concerns over problem gambling, with customers now able to self-exclude from any licensed betting site.
• 2024: Customers can no longer add funds to their online betting accounts via credit card or cryptocurrencies, with the government worried that bettors are playing with money that isn’t really theirs.

Neighbouring Countries and Market Potential for Online Gambling in Australia

Many countries across the world have a regulated online gambling industry, including the UK and the USA. The benefits of regulation include safer gambling and higher market revenue, as well as general consistency across all forms of gambling.

And while Australia posted an impressive gambling revenue of A$5.114 billion in 2023, the consensus is that the figure could be a lot higher if all forms of online gambling were legalised.

It’s clear from the data and information available that countries that have a regulated and legal online gambling industry are prospering economically. The USA leads the way as expected, with only a handful of states remaining resistant to legalising online gaming.

And while Canada’s figures might seem a little down compared to other countries, it’s important to remember that they only passed a law legalising online gambling three years ago. Since then, their gambling revenue has surpassed expectations.

As we write this, Australia’s gambling turnover increased 20.9% from 2023 to 2024, suggesting that, were the shackles to come off completely, the nation would benefit both economically and socially.

Who’s Influencing Gambling Laws in Australia?

The Interactive Gambling Act is responsible for providing the rules, guidelines and laws for all gambling operators in Australia.

But while online gambling is federally regulated, land-based gambling is state-regulated. This means that it’s up to each state to determine its own regulations when it comes to pokie machines and other casino games in brick-and-mortar establishments.

And despite the Interactive Gambling Act undergoing a number of changes since its inception in 2001, the government is completely intransigent when it comes to legalising online casino gaming.

Instead, any changes that have been made to the ICA have related to tightening the rules, punishing illegal and unlicensed sites, and promoting responsible gambling.

Indeed, one of the main reasons online gambling continues to be largely prohibited is because of concerns about problem gambling. Concerns about money laundering play a role, too, with most reviews carried about by the government into online gambling limited to offshore betting sites.

Responsible Casino Gambling in Australia

While gambling is classed by many as a harmless form of entertainment, Australians lose money more per year on gambling than anyone else.

This suggests that problem gambling is a big issue, and it’s something that anyone can fall victim to if they’re not aware of the symptoms.

Problem gambling can cause an array of problems in your life, including:

• Health issues caused by stress
• Relationship problems
• Debt
• Addiction

Many problem gamblers often evade the issue and pretend that they’re not struggling. They might find themselves lying to their partners, friends and family members, as well as themselves.

Help, however, is at hand. If you’re worried that your gambling is out of control, you can reach out online and/or via telephone:

• Phone: 1800 858 858
• Website: https://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au/
• Counselling: https://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au/tools-resources/chat-counselling

What Is Next for Online Casino Gambling in Australia?

As we’ve seen, the Interactive Gambling Act seems pretty set in stone for the time being, with no indications that Australia will permit online casinos anytime soon.

Lifting the ban on live betting also seems a long way off, with lobbyists instead keen to shut down on gambling advertising and promote safer gambling by limiting the things people can bet on.

There are, however, plans to put forward a bill that would see online poker legalised, with supporters pointing out that it’s a game of skill.

For now, land-based gambling and some forms of sports betting remain the sole possibilities Down Under.

The best paying online casinos in Australia dish out high-payout pokies and lightning-fast withdrawals like an Aussie summer storm rolling in. But with many top sites flying under the radar these days, tracking them down is harder than it used to be.

Fortunately, our two seasoned experts, John and Peter, have been hard at work uncovering the top Australian online casinos with the biggest payouts and fastest withdrawals.

Best Paying Online Casinos in Australia

Ready to find what the best paying online casinos in Australia have to offer? Let’s see what the experts have to say!

1. SkyCrown – Best Paying Online Casino in Australia Overall

It didn’t take long for both of our gambling experts to agree that SkyCrown is the best online casino overall when it comes to high paying games and rapid-fire payouts.

Both players pointed out the instant payouts, as well as the massive collection of more than 7,000 casino games. You can play with traditional payment methods like credit and debit cards, as well as e-wallets and cryptocurrencies.

John:

With more than 7,000 games to choose from, you’ll easily find a high-paying game at SkyCrown, Australia’s premier online casino.

There are thousands of online pokies available, high RTP jackpot games, and classic table games.

These include the likes of Single Deck Blackjack, which has a 99%+ RTP, as well as European Roulette and Bonus Poker.

You can compete in tournaments, too, for the chance to win huge cash prizes, while becoming a VIP guarantees faster payouts.

Peter:

SkyCrown boasts that it has an average payout time of just 10 minutes. They also list their day’s biggest winners, while as much as A$6,024,412 was withdrawn collectively over the past month. When it comes to the potential for big wins, this Aussie casino is the clear winner.

All the games are fully licensed, which guarantees fairness alongside smooth gameplay. Video poker games like Pink Joker are your best options for high RTP games, though blackjack and online pokies are also solid picks here.

>> Check out Skycrown casino

2. Neospin – Best Paying Aussie Live Dealer Games

While it’s not as easy to verify the RTP for live dealer games as it is for regular online casino games, Neospin has an ace selection of over 100 bumper payout live games that are overseen by professional, real-life dealers.

John:

One of the reasons Neospin stood out to me was its selection of live VIP games. These include Live Roulette European VIP and Blackjack VIP, both of which give you the chance to win big.

There are always seats at the table for baccarat and live game shows here, too.

Neospin further impresses when it comes to the quality of the streams and the consummate professionalism of their dealers.

Peter:

Neospin is constantly adding new live dealer games to its already impressive collection. Recent additions include Classic Roulette from BetGames and Flash Roulette, which has a whopping 1,000x multipliers.

Live Wheel of Fortune, meanwhile, will be familiar to Australian players, with Neospin excelling when it comes to versatility. And with 20% daily cashback and same-day payouts thrown into the mix, Neospin easily deserves the second spot.

>> Check out Neospin casino

3. Roby Casino – Best Payout AU Online Pokies

At Roby Casino, VIPs get to double, triple and even quadruple everything. You get access to higher bet limits, higher withdrawal limits, as well as truly instant withdrawals.

John:

I don’t always trust the VIP programs at Australian online casinos because you sometimes have to jump through too many hoops just to get involved.

At Roby Casino, though, you only need to make regular weekly deposits in order to get invited onto the first level.

There are 5 levels in total, with those in level 3 benefiting from higher withdrawal limits, as well as personalised offers, including reload bonuses.

And because you get bigger bet limits, you’ve got every chance of winning more money.

Peter:

At first, I found Roby Casino’s VIP terms a little vague. But it’s once you become an actual VIP by being a regular bettor that you’ll see just how in-depth this program is.

Even before you become one, Roby Casino caters to all kinds of players with the choice of two welcome bonuses, a slick and clean interface, as well as tournament games. But as a VIP, you get even more generous bonuses, faster withdrawal speed and more payment methods to choose from.

>> Check out Roby Casino

4. Need for Spin – Best Paying Australian Mobile Casino Site

Among the top fast payout casinos in Australia, Need for Spin stands out for its mobile experience. Our gambling experts praised its pain-free interface that allows you to easily process a withdrawal, as well as its selection of reputable payout methods.

John:

I think it’s safe to say that most Aussies prefer to play online casino games on their mobile devices, making Need for Spin a top contender for many players.

And with same-day payouts, an easy sign-up process and thousands of the best online pokies and other high RTP games, Need for Spin takes all the right boxes.

You can claim weekly bonuses, weekend reloads, and regular free spins deals. There’s a huge range of high payout games here, though you can play each one for free first, just to test them out before you take the plunge.

Peter:

Need for Spin supports the likes of MasterCard, Interac, Skrill, PaySafeCard and Bitcoin, and you can withdraw using each one via your mobile device. Many payouts are processed and completed within hours, although you might need to complete a verification form the first time around.

I had no issues at all using the mobile app, which gave me access to all the highest payout games, including jackpot pokies and video poker games like Joker Poker, which has a 98.94% RTP.

>> Check out Need for Spin on Mobile

5. Lucky Vibe – Highest Payout Crypto Australian Online Casino Site

Rounding out the top 5 is Lucky Vibe, which is perfect for players who love dubbing with crypto. Here’s what our two experts have to say about this crypto casino:

John:

When we talk about safe online casinos, there’s no doubt that crypto is the safest payout method.

All Bitcoin transactions at Lucky Vibe are carried out on the blockchain, which guarantees security and anonymity.

You can play thousands of online pokies and other games with crypto and fiat currencies. When it’s time to withdraw your winnings, the minimum withdrawal is set at a reasonable A$30 or 0.0004 BTC.

Peter:

Lucky Vibe is a sleek new instant withdrawal casino in Australia that caught my eye when it comes to crypto payouts. I could withdraw via the likes of Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum and Dogecoin, and all transactions are instant.

If you want to play with fiat currencies, Lucky Vibe supports credit and debit cards and bank transfers, and all payments are free of charge. There’s also a loyalty program here, a hefty A$5,000 welcome package that comes with 300+ free spins, and 24/7 live chat.

>> Explore Lucky Vibe’s casino games

How We Chose the Best Paying Australian Online Casinos?

Choosing the best online casinos in Australia isn’t something we take lightly. Our two gambling experts carefully test each site for its high-paying games, generous bonuses, and fast withdrawals.

In short, we wanted to choose the best instant payout pokies Australia sites that offer the potential for big wins and fast payouts, as well as a satisfying user experience:

John: Casino Games Selection

From online slots and progressive jackpots to table games and beyond, it’s really important that an online casino pays out at a high hit rate so that you’ve got every chance of winning real money.

That’s why I added some of the highest paying online pokies to this list, while the reputation of the software developers themselves was also a consideration.

Peter: Bonuses and Promotions

I think it’s essential that you can claim attractive deposit bonuses at any casino you sign up for, along with regular casino bonuses like reload bonuses and cashback that come with simple terms and conditions.

John: Fast Payouts

While the payout time will depend on the exact withdrawal method you use, each casino site in this list is known for its fast payouts. They also come with zero or minimal fees and guarantee safe and secure transactions every time.

Peter: Mobile Friendliness

Everyone has their own preferred way of playing, but research shows that more and more Australians prefer to play slot machines on their mobile devices. This is why we both added online casinos that are mobile compatible, so you can either download the app or play via your mobile browser.

Pros of Playing at Big Withdrawal Casinos in Australia

While you can play at land-based casinos in Australia, there are more and more fast withdrawal Aussie online casinos that offer better gaming experiences.

Here are a few highlights that you can expect while playing at Australia’s top online betting sites:

Fast Payouts: As long as you sign up to an Australian online casino instant withdrawal site, you won’t be waiting long to receive your winnings.

Convenience: The beauty of playing Australian online pokies is that you never even need to leave your house.

Guaranteed Safety and Security: If you stick to licensed and legit casinos, your details and personal information will be 100% safe.

More Games: The online gaming experience is such that you’ll find thousands of games, ranging from high RTP real money pokies to more table games, progressive jackpots and classic pokies that come stuffed with bonus features.

Potential Downsides of Playing at High Payout Australian Casinos

Let’s see what our two gambling experts have to say about any potential downsides based on their personal experiences:

John: Questionable Responsible Gambling Practices

While licensed casino sites are obligated to have a Responsible Gambling section on their website, some pay it scant attention. They might let you self-exclude, but that’s it.

Without proper responsible gambling tools, such as deposit limits and loss limits, some players might find it hard to stay in control.

Peter: Payout Rates Can Be Inconsistent

Even the best Australian online pokies with super high payout percentages don’t guarantee wins. You could play a 99% RTP game 5x on the spin and still lose. The important thing is not to get carried away by becoming convinced you’ll win. Play for fun and know when to walk away.

Best High Paying Casino Games to Play in Australia

If you’re looking to maximise your chances of winning, it’s a smart idea to track down high-paying casino games.

Here’s a summary of the best ones you’ll find at online casinos in Australia:

Online Pokies

Also known as slots, pokies come with 3 or 5 reels (and sometimes more), and they come with different themes, including Ancient Egypt and Halloween, just to name a few. The maximum win varies but can sometimes be as high as 300,000x your stake.

RTP varies hugely from game to game and can range between 90% and 99%, though you’ll find higher win percentages (and bigger max wins) when you play progressive pokies.

Table Games

Table games include blackjack, roulette and baccarat. The best online blackjack games are notorious for having 99%+ RTPs, though you’ll also find that lots of roulette games have super high RTPs, too, with French Roulette having a 98.65% RTP.

Video Poker Games

Video poker is a popular “computerised” version of poker. It offers a faster turnover, and there are numerous variants, including Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild.

Like pokies, video poker games have varying RTPs, though you’ll find that many (including Jacks or Wild) have a 98%+ RTP.

Live Dealer Games

Live dealer games give you the chance to play alongside a human dealer. Because there’s no algorithm, you might feel that you have a better chance of winning.

Live dealer games traditionally have higher limits, too, which can serve to increase the size of your potential wins.

Best Paying Online Casinos in Australia: FAQs

What Games Have the Best Online Casino Payouts in Australia?

It’s an established fact that blackjack games tend to have the best casino payouts in terms of frequency, with most blackjack variants coming with a 99%+ RTP. Video poker games also have higher-than-average RTPs.

In terms of the biggest payouts, meanwhile, progressive jackpots are the games to look out for. The way they work is that the jackpot gets bigger and bigger until somebody eventually wins the whole lot.

What Is the Fastest Casino Withdrawal Method in Australia?

Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Litecoin are the fastest way to receive your winnings at an online casino. Crypto withdrawals are usually completed within a few minutes, and they’re always free.

E-wallet transactions are often completed the same day, while credit and debit card payouts are also completed the same day, provided you sign up for an instant withdrawal casino site.

How Can I Find Instant Payout Casino Pokies in Australia?

The best way to find instant payout pokies Australia sites is to read guides like this that point you in the direction of fast withdrawal casinos. These guides will show you how quickly a casino pays out, the pokie games you can play, and the payment methods that are available.

Are High Paying Online Casinos in Australia Safe?

Most Australian online casinos are super safe to use, but it’s important that you sign up to reputable, licensed casino sites.

These sites are obligated to protect their customers via security measures like SSL encryption, and they’re monitored by regulatory bodies for fairness and transparency.

How Can I Speed Up a Withdrawal at an Online Casino?

The best way to speed up a payout is to first of all sign up to an online casino Australia real money easy withdrawal site. Then, pick the withdrawal method that’s listed as the fastest.

If you’re still not satisfied with the payout times, you can usually improve the payout speed by becoming a VIP, with online casinos offering expedited withdrawals to loyal players.

What Is the Best High Payout Casino for Australians?

The best high payout casino right now is SkyCrown. It’s home to more than 7,000 casino games in total, with its selection including many high RTP games and titles that come with bumper jackpots.

You can claim an A$8,000 welcome package as a new player, along with 400 free spins, and enjoy higher bet limits and faster withdrawals by becoming a VIP.

Comparing the 5 Best Payout Online Casinos in Australia

Here’s a brief recap of what the best online casinos in Australia have to offer:

SkyCrown: This is the best instant withdrawal online casino overall, with 7,000+ high-paying games, an A$8,000 welcome bonus, and 400 free spins for new players.

Neospin: Top pick for live dealer games. Neospin lets you play over 100 live games like blackjack and roulette, with flexible bet limits and top-quality streams all part of the package.

Roby Casino: You’ll benefit from instant withdrawal transactions at Roby Casino by becoming a VIP. Other VIP perks include personalised offers, free spins and cashback.

Need for Spin: Head here if you’re after the best online casino payouts on mobile. Need for Spin offers same-day payouts, an easy sign-up process, as well as thousands of high RTP online pokies.

Lucky Vibe: Finally, we have the top-rated instant withdrawal casino for crypto payments. All withdrawals are completed within minutes, and the maximum daily withdrawal is as high as A$2,000.

How to Join a High Paying Casino in Australia & Play Pokies Online

Online casinos make it easy for you to create an account, make a deposit and start playing casino games. All you need to do is complete the steps below:

1. Click ‘Sign Up’

• Arrive on a casino’s website
• Click the ‘Sign Up’ button at the top of the screen
• You should be redirected to a registration page

2. Complete the Form

• Most online casinos require you to complete 1 or 2 short forms
• Details you’ll be asked for include your full name and date of birth
• Accept the terms and conditions by ticking the relevant box

3. Make a Deposit

• Once your new casino account is live, head to the cashier
• Link a payment method from the ones available
• Enter the amount you wish to deposit and click to continue

4. Start Playing Casino Games

• You can now explore the casino games in the lobby
• Once you’ve picked out a game you like, enter a stake to start playing

Tips for Australians Playing at High Paying Casinos

We asked our experts to list their best tips and tricks for beginners who are getting started with online gambling in Australia. Here’s what they came up with:

John: Always Check the Payout Percentage

Before you play a casino game, it’s a wise idea to check the payout percentage first. You can do this by entering the name of the game into Google and typing “RTP.”

Finding out the payout percentage will prevent you from wasting time on low payout games.

Peter: Research the Payment Methods

If you want to process withdrawals as quickly as possible, you might have to use a different payment method than the one you originally planned. For example, I used to insist on using my card, but now I play with crypto whenever I can, as this is the fastest way to receive my winnings.

John: Join Different Casino Sites

Whether you want to play at a site with the best online casino payouts or want to play at one of the fast payout casinos, there’s nothing stopping you from joining different ones.

The best online casinos we’ve listed are all free, and they each have different strengths.

Peter: Claim the Welcome Bonuses

All the best casino sites have welcome bonuses, which are usually matched deposit offers combined with free spins. There’s zero risk in claiming them, since all you have to do is make a minimum first deposit.

Then, you’ve got extra bonus cash to play around with.

John: Always Use Free Spins

Even if you prefer table games over pokies, free spins are worth using. This is because they give you free chances to win real money and they generally have low wagering requirements.

Ready to Play at the Best Paying Online Casinos in Australia?

These are the best paying online casinos you can join today in Australia. They’ve been tested and rated by our two gambling experts, who came to the conclusion that they each have the best online pokies with the highest payout rates, as well as the fastest withdrawals.

SkyCrown is the best Australian online casino overall. It’s home to 7,000+ games, and you can claim an A$8,000 welcome bonus when you create an account today.

Still, any of the other options featured here are great alternatives, so don’t be afraid to check out a few of them.

Whatever site you pick, it’s important to remember that online gambling is meant to be fun. We therefore advise that you always gamble responsibly.

DISCLAIMER: The information on this site is for entertainment purposes only. Gambling is extremely risky. Bet at your own risk. Don’t spend funds you can’t afford to lose. Gambling for underage players is illegal in Australia.

This guide is intended for entertainment and informational purposes only, we take no responsibility for the loss of funds made on any of these sites. Always check local rules and policies in your region before signing up for any online casino.

If you believe you may have a gambling problem, reach out to www.gamblinghelponline.org.au or call 1800 858 858.