Gambling reforms
Taking action to reduce gambling harm
The Australian Government is introducing new gambling reforms, which aim to protect more people from the harms caused by online gambling. These reforms were announced on 2 April 2026.
To read the announcement, visit Strong action to tackle gambling harms(Opens in a new tab/window).
Reducing gambling harm
As part of the reforms, the government will:
- expand specialised financial counselling services for people experiencing financial difficulty as a result of gambling harm
- increase public awareness of the risks of online gambling.
A range of measures to address gambling advertising will also be introduced. For more information about these measures, visit Gambling Reforms 2026(Opens in a new tab/window).
A national framework for online wagering
The government has introduced the National Consumer Protection Framework for Online Wagering (National Framework) which aims to protect people who gamble online. It includes tools and information to help people control their gambling.
This National Framework applies to all licensed online wagering service providers and includes 10 measures.
The National Framework protects people gambling online by ensuring there is:
- no line of credit for gamblers, no payday lending services used for gambling
- strong identity and age verification process
- restricted incentives and account sign-up offers
- easy closing of accounts
- offer of deposit limits
- monthly gambling activity statements
- consistent messaging about gambling risks
- trained staff in the online gambling sector
- a National Self-Exclusion Register.