Yes — Sportsbet is legal and fully licensed to operate in Australia. Here’s everything you need to know about its legal status, regulations, and what recent law changes mean for punters in 2025.
Licensing & Regulation
Sportsbet Pty Ltd is a subsidiary of Flutter Entertainment and operates under a corporate bookmaker licence issued by the Northern Territory Racing and Wagering Commission (NTRWC) couriermail.com.au+14en.wikipedia.org+14theaustralian.com.au+14. Located in Darwin and based in Melbourne, it complies with both NT and federal gambling laws, including the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 theguardian.com+5en.wikipedia.org+5en.wikipedia.org+5.
As a licensed operator, Sportsbet must follow strict rules on:
- Responsible gambling practices (e.g., deposit limits, self-exclusion tools) helpcentre.sportsbet.com.au
- Anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) regulations — currently under enforceable undertaking with AUSTRAC gamblinginsider.com+6austrac.gov.au+6gamingintelligence.com+6
- Adherence to state-based rules across all Australian jurisdictions helpcentre.sportsbet.com.au+4reddit.com+4couriermail.com.au+4
Recent Compliance Issues & Fines
Though legal, Sportsbet has had some regulatory hiccups:
- NT Racing Commission fine of $92,400 after accidentally sending marketing messages to self‑excluded users sbceurasia.com+15theguardian.com+15theguardian.com+15.
- ACMA investigation into in-play betting via its “Fast Code” feature led to a class action, alleging breaches of the Interactive Gambling Act theguardian.com+4theaustralian.com.au+4theguardian.com+4.
- Sportsbet also faced previous fines (e.g. $135,000 by Liquor & Gaming NSW) for prohibited gambling ads helpcentre.sportsbet.com.au+15gamblinginsider.com+15reddit.com+15.
- It entered an AUSTRAC enforceable undertaking in May 2024 to improve AML/CTF compliance couriermail.com.au+4austrac.gov.au+4gamingintelligence.com+4.
Sportsbet acknowledges past mistakes and is working to enhance its compliance systems, including financial crime safeguards .
Live Betting & the Legal Grey Zones
Australia’s Interactive Gambling Act forbids placing live (in-play) bets via app or web — bets must be made entirely over the phone theaustralian.com.au+2theguardian.com+2sbceurasia.com+2. Sportsbet’s Fast Code system, criticized by ACMA, has been revised to stay within legal boundaries .
Despite past issues, Sportsbet now complies—but be aware that placing an in-play bet during a match via digital channels remains illegal reddit.com+7theguardian.com+7gamblinginsider.com+7.
Advertising Scrutiny
Australia plans to phase out gambling advertisements, inspired by the Murphy Report. Sportsbet has already responded:
- Removed on-air odds promotions from live AFL/NRL broadcasts reddit.com+2theguardian.com+2reddit.com+2reddit.com.
- Seen internal criticism over past campaigns but is actively pulling back marketing to comply with evolving standards .
What It Means for You
- You can legally bet with Sportsbet online in Australia.
- You must be aged 18+, have an Australian address, and verify your identity.
- You cannot place live in-play bets via app or web — those must be done over the phone.
- Sportsbet offers responsible gambling tools like BetStop, deposit limits, and self-exclusion sbceurasia.com+2theguardian.com+2gamblinginsider.com+2reddit.com+2helpcentre.sportsbet.com.au+2en.wikipedia.org+2.
- The company is under scrutiny but remains compliant and watchful of public and regulatory concerns news.com.au+3theguardian.com+3couriermail.com.au+3.
Final Verdict
Yes, Sportsbet is legal in Australia, heavily regulated, and licensed. Although it has faced fines and investigations, it continues to operate within the rules and remains one of the country’s leading online bookmakers. Just remember to place in-play bets over the phone and use responsible gambling tools when needed.
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