Australia’s Gambling Reset (and the Crypto Twist): Where Things Stand in 2026
Australia’s gambling market is being squeezed from two sides: tighter harm-minimisation rules onshore, and a persistent offshore ecosystem that keeps dodging blocks. Meanwhile, crypto is trading in a cautious “risk-on” range — relevant because Australia’s online wagering rules now explicitly restrict crypto funding for licensed wagering operators.
The big picture: gambling is still booming — but regulation is catching up
Across recent industry coverage, the theme is consistent: governments are shifting from “light-touch” regulation to “prove you’re protecting players” enforcement — increasing friction for users and raising compliance costs for operators.
Globally, that trend shows up as:
- Higher regulator fees and tougher oversight, alongside stricter marketing and promotion rules.
- More focus on player-risk detection, including stronger affordability checks, deposit controls, and limit-setting tools.
- Stricter scrutiny on sponsorships and advertising, especially around sports and influencer-driven promotion.
Australia: what’s already in force (and what’s being pushed next)
1) Online wagering payment rules: credit cards and crypto are restricted
Federal rules now ban online wagering providers from accepting credit cards, certain credit-related products, and digital currencies (e.g., cryptocurrency). These requirements commenced on 11 June 2024.
Practical effect: for licensed wagering apps and sites, “top up with crypto” is not intended to be an option. This increases the gap between regulated wagering and offshore platforms that often advertise “crypto-friendly” rails.
2) “Know your losses” transparency: political momentum, but unfinished
A federal bill proposing real-time wagering activity statements (“know your losses”) was introduced on 10 February 2025, but it lapsed at dissolution on 28 March 2025. While the bill did not pass, the policy pressure behind it continues.
3) Gambling advertising reform: still the biggest battleground
Advertising restrictions remain a central political issue. A widely cited set of recommendations from the 2023 Murphy inquiry pushed for a phased-in comprehensive ban on online gambling advertising over three years. As of early 2026, debate continues around timing, scope, and enforcement.
4) Enforcement is escalating — but offshore workarounds remain
Australia’s regulator continues to block illegal online gambling and affiliate websites and has reported hundreds of services exiting the market since enforcement escalated. However, offshore offerings and influencer-led promotion remain persistent challenges.
Crypto: what it looks like right now — and why gambling rules matter
Crypto markets remain sensitive to global liquidity conditions and investor risk appetite. At the same time, Australia’s wagering payment restrictions make crypto usage a more common feature of offshore platforms than regulated providers.
Market snapshot (USD):
- Bitcoin (BTC): ~US$66,555
- Ethereum (ETH): ~US$1,960
Why it matters: when licensed operators are constrained by payment rules, crypto-friendly funnels tend to shift to offshore sites — increasing consumer risk and complicating enforcement. For regulators, the next frontier is not just blocking sites, but disrupting discovery (ads/influencers) and payment flows.
The standings going into 2026: what to watch next
- Advertising reform outcomes: whether Australia moves toward a full ban, partial restrictions, or a staged approach.
- Transparency mandates returning: a revived “know your losses” bill or state/federal equivalents with real-time statements.
- Offshore suppression tools: stronger blocking, payment disruption, takedown powers, and broader platform accountability.
- Influencer and affiliate tightening: clearer rules on promotion, sponsorship, and inducements.
Bottom line: Australia is moving steadily toward a tighter, more enforceable harm-minimisation regime — and crypto’s role in gambling is becoming less about “innovation” and more about whether payment rails increase consumer risk through offshore leakage.
