Crypto Casino Growth in Australia: Statistics, Legal Context and Market Analysis

Key findings

Online casinos are federally prohibited in Australia (Interactive Gambling Act, IGA), and only sports betting/horse racing and some lotteries are licensed.
From June 11, 2024, licensed online bookmakers cannot accept credit cards and digital currencies (including cryptocurrency) - this pushes part of the demand into the offshore segment of the "crypto casino."
ACMA is increasing blocking of illegal sites: from ~ 995 (June-2024) to ~ 1 210 + (April-2025) and beyond, which reflects a steady supply of offshore platforms, including crypto brands.
Crypto ownership is growing: according to IRCI, 27.5% of Australians owned/own crypto in 2024, ~ 31% in 2025; high level of awareness reduces barriers to entry into the crypto game.
AML/CTF risks increase: AUSTRAC records an increase in the use of digital currencies by criminal groups; USDT is popular in the region in criminal schemes.
BetStop self-exclusion as an indicator of harm and regulation: ~ 44.8 thousand registrations by June 30, 2025 (active ~ 30 thousand).

Legal context: why crypto casinos are growing in the "gray" market

The IGA expressly prohibits online casinos (poker, roulette, slots, etc.) for players physically located in Australia. The law applies regardless of the jurisdiction of the operator.
FROM 11. 06. 2024 came into force a ban on credit cards and digital currency from licensed online bookmakers. As a result, any "legal" sites do not accept crypto deposits, while offshore crypto casinos do.
ACMA uses ISP locks and other measures; since 2019, hundreds of crypto and casino sites have been blocked (crypto brands are regularly found in the lists). The scale of locks increased from ~ 995 (June-2024) to 1200 + (April-2025), which reflects a stable "mole game" with mirrors.

Bottom line: The "growth of crypto casinos" in Australia is not legalization, but the migration of demand to the offshore segment amid bans and restrictions on payments from licensed operators.

Demand: what pulls players in crypto casinos

1. Payment rails

Banning cards/digital currency from licensed operators → some players are looking for alternatives.
Offshore companies accept BTC/ETH/USDT, sometimes with lightweight KYC, which reduces deposit/withdrawal friction. The use of stablecoins (USDT) is also confirmed in the criminal context of the region.

2. Broad base of potential users

Australians are active users of cryptocurrencies: 27.5% (2024) and ~ 31% (2025) owned/own crypto. This reduces barriers to crypto deposits and "native" wallets.
Overall, 73% of adults participated in gambling in 12 months (different products), which forms a large demand funnel.

3. Marketing and grey channels

There were cases of promotion of offshore brands through influencers; ACMA warns of fines and blocks violators.

Offer: What the offshore market looks like

Source jurisdictions: historically significant Curaçao (licensing reform), Anjouan/Comoros, etc. ACMA has publicly appealed to Curaçao regulators to crack down on Australian targeting.
ACMA locks - supply scale indicator (hundreds of domains/mirrors): ~ 995 (06/2024) → ~ 1 210 + (04/2025). Trend to continue.

Risks and consequences

1. Lack of consumer protection
Unlicensed sites are not subject to Australian dispute resolution/verification standards, there is a risk of non-payment of winnings and abuse. ACMA highlights these risks by regularly posting warnings and blocking sites.

2. AML/CTF
AUSTRAC records an increase in the use of digital currencies by criminals; UNIDC marks USDT as a popular tool in regional schemes. This increases the requirements for on/off ramp control and transaction monitoring.

3. Taxes

Gambling as such is usually not taxed (if you do not run a professional gamer business). But if the prize/win is received in cryptocurrency, the subsequent implementation of this crypt is a CGT (capital gains tax) event with a market value basis at the time of the win.
ATO recalls the need to take into account operations with crypto assets and the application of CGT rules.

4. Harmonising player protection
BetStop (national self-exclusion registry, launched 21. 08. 2023) shows an increase in registrations: ~ 44.8 thousand by the end of Q4 2024/25 (active ~ 30 thousand), but it applies to licensed operators, and not to offshore companies.

What the numbers show (total)

Law and payments: ban on online casinos + ban on credit cards and digital currencies for licensed →, demand shifts to offshore "crypto casinos."
Demand: high gambling involvement (AIHW) and rapid crypto adaptation (IRCI 2024-2025).
Offering: a steady stream of ACMA locks (hundreds of domains/mirrors annually).
Risks: AML/CTF threats and lack of consumer protection offshore; tax implications when disposing of crypto winnings.

Forecast 12-24 months

1. Base Case:

Continuation of the "flow" of some players into offshore crypto services, a moderate increase in blocking and domain rotation ("mirrors"), tougher marketing (fines for influencers/affiliates).

2. Increased surveillance scenario:

Expansion of BetStop/other measures, growth of cooperation with offshore regulators (for example, dialogue with Curacao), focus on payment gateways and monitoring of stablecoins.

3. Soft harmonization scenario:

Unlikely in the short term, but there may be a discussion about leveling consumer guarantees in digital products (amid public pressure and committee reports) that does not affect the basic ban on online casinos.

Metrics to watch

The number of ACMA locks and the share of crypto brands in these lists.
BetStop statistics (active self-exclusions, expansion of coverage).
Crypto adaptation indices (IRCI) and data from banks/payment providers on blocking operations with crypto exchanges.
AUSTRAC/UNODC reports on the use of digital currencies in laundering.

Note on Liability and Law

The material is analytical and not legal/tax advice. Playing at offshore operators targeting Australians is an illegal offer from the operator; players lack Australian defensive mechanisms. Check the ATO guidelines and qualified consultants for tax issues on crypto winnings.