Overview
The Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Act 2026 (No. 72, 2026) received royal assent and came into force on 26 August 2026. The Act amends the Interactive Gambling Act 2001, the Broadcasting Services Act 1992, the Privacy Act 1988, and the Online Safety Act 2021.
What the Act covers
The Act addresses five main areas:
- Wagering advertising restrictions - new rules apply to how wagering services can be advertised.
- Disruption of illegal gambling services - the Act introduces measures to block financial transactions and infrastructure used for illegal gambling.
- BetStop self-exclusion register changes - amendments are made to the existing BetStop register.
- Online lottery products - new rules apply to online lottery products.
- Wagering Advertising Opt-out Register - a new register allows individuals to opt out of receiving wagering advertisements.
Anti-avoidance and statutory review
The Act includes new anti-avoidance provisions. It also requires a statutory review of certain parts of the Act to be carried out.
Wagering Advertising Opt-out Register
Schedule 4B of the Act sets out requirements relating to the Wagering Advertising Opt-out Register. Individuals are able to remove themselves from direct marketing lists for wagering services through this register.
Blocking financial transactions
Schedule 2 Part 1 of the Act covers the blocking of financial transactions connected to illegal gambling services.
Key actions
- Businesses involved in wagering, gambling advertising, or online lottery products can read the full Act at https://www.legislation.gov.au/C2026A00072 to understand which restrictions apply.
- Businesses that advertise wagering services can check the Schedule 4B requirements around the Wagering Advertising Opt-out Register, as customers are able to remove themselves from direct marketing lists.
- Businesses that process financial transactions for gambling services can review Schedule 2 Part 1 on blocking financial transactions for illegal gambling services.
- The Act is administered by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts, which can be contacted for guidance on specific obligations.
This is a plain-English summary for information only, not legal or compliance advice. Always check the official source or consult a qualified professional.