Since the end of September 2024, Australian online gambling providers must verify their users’ identity before they let them engage with their services.
Similar KYC rules have been introduced in other regulated markets like the UK for years now.
The change was announced in September 2023, providing ample time for operators to update their registration and verification processes. Previously, identification checks took effect when a player attempted to withdraw from online gambling sites.
This new measure ensures no underage or unqualified users place bets online. If a company allows individuals to gamble without sufficiently checking their identities, they could be fined and penalised.
How This Change Affects Aussie Punters
Players who have been gambling on sports betting sites without a fully verified account, and those signing up for new services, will be forced to complete the applicable customer identification procedures (ACIP) to maintain access to their accounts.
Existing customers who have passed verification checks at online gambling sites won’t be affected by this change.
Applicable Customer Identification Procedures (ACIP)
New players joining online gambling sites will be asked to provide documentation proving their eligibility. The accepted documentation varies, as long as it has been recently issued and provides evidence of the user’s ID, age, residence, and banking method ownership.
The documents required under this new regulation are the same as before. The only change has to do with when the KYC policies are enforced by the gambling provider.
Does This Change Matter To Online Casino Players?
AU$5,000
300 Free Spins
⚡️4000 AUD
🎰 +400 Free Spins
TOP3 Best casino offer in AU
🔥🔥 100% / $5,000
300 FREE Spins
AU$3000
300 Free Spins
AU$5,000
300 Free Spins
* 🎉 Grand opening!
The online casino market in Australia is unregulated, so this change doesn’t impact Aussies playing at offshore gambling sites. Similar KYC checks are enforced by offshore online casinos, but only when the user attempts to withdraw from the site.
KYC procedure changes could be applied if international iGaming bodies revisit their rulebook surrounding best user authentication practices, but for now, it is business as usual for online casino gamers.
Our Thoughts On This New Development
Although this change doesn’t concern our pokies fan base, we still want to share our thoughts since similar changes might reach online casino players in the future.
As things stand, KYC checks are in place to protect online casinos from engaging in money laundering activities. That’s because checks are only enforced when a user attempts to withdraw money from the casino. Identity and address verification is conducted, too, but it doesn’t satisfy its purpose – forbidding access to unqualified users.
Therefore, if online gambling providers want to know the origin of their deposits and protect minors and unqualified users from accessing their platforms – they should adopt similar measures to those enforced by the Australian Government proactively.
I wouldn’t hold my breath, but this is the reality.
- About the Author
- Affiliate Disclosure
Michael has reviewed and verified all information on this page. Having worked in the iGaming industry for over 8 years, he is the most capable person to help you navigate online casinos, pokies, and the Australian gambling landscape.
