Australia v South Australia
Overview
South Australia combines federal IGA regulations (online wagering with Australian licensees; prohibition of online casinos, in-play online, etc.) with a rigid standard add-on: Betting Operations Tax (PoCT) 15%, practice codes for betting/casino/EGM, prohibition of "inducements," as well as mandatory face recognition in halls with ≥30 machines to control barring. Supervision is carried out by Liquor & Gambling Commissioner at Consumer and Business Services (CBS).
Regulators and legal framework
Liquor & Gambling Commissioner/CBS: licensing, control, practice codes (for betting, casinos, gaming halls), manuals and updates for licensees.
Gaming Machines Act 1992 (GMA 1992): EGM mode in pubs/clubs, approval of machines/games, goals of "responsible play."
Authorized Betting Operations Act 2000 (ABOA 2000): betting and other authorized bets, basis for the ABO Gambling Code of Practice.
Casino Act 1997: Licensing and control of Adelaide Casino.
Online wagering taxes: PoCT (Betting Operations Tax)
South Australia was the first in the country to introduce PoCT - 15% of net wagering revenue with a threshold, formalizing it as Betting Operations Tax; the model is then distributed by other states.
Practice Codes and Advertising
Authorised Betting Operations Gambling Code of Practice (31. 03. 2024): Mandatory behavioral practice standards for betting operators, including player communications, RG procedures and prohibitions on stimulating the vulnerable.
Banning "inducements" and aggressive promos: Operators cannot be offered bonuses/perks to "open an account" or otherwise encourage betting; trade promos for gambling venues - only with CBS approval.
Gaming Machines Gambling Code of Practice (30. 03. 2023): mandatory RG requirements for halls with EGM (information, interventions, journals, etc.).
Control technologies: FRT and barring
In SA, face recognition (FRT) has been introduced to identify barred players: FRT is mandatory for sites with EGM ≥30; the system notifies the personnel of the visit of the barred person. CBS maintains barring register and integration updates with venues.
Casino: Adelaide Casino (SkyCity) - increased oversight
In 2024, the Federal Court approved the AUSTRAC agreement: fine A $67 million and costs A $3 million for AML/CTF violations (2016-2022); thereafter, the state resumed license suitability testing under Casino Act 1997.
The SA government has proposed increasing the maximum fines for casinos to A $75 million (formerly A $100 thousand) for a number of violations (accounting, non-payment of duty, non-compliance with regulations).
A separate Casino Gambling Code of Practice enshrines RG minimums and operating standards for Adelaide Casino.
What is/is not allowed (high-level)
Allowed
Online wagering with Australian licensees prior to the event; in-play - by phone only (federal IGA). The state applies PoCT 15%.
EGMs in licensed pubs/clubs under the 1992 GMA and practice codes (with barring/FRT systems).
Adelaide Casino - under license and practice codes, under increased control.
Prohibited/Restricted
Online casino, online poker, in-play online, lotto betting - according to the federal IGA (see nat. overview).
Inducements (bonuses/incentives for opening an account or stimulating a game), unauthorized trade promos.
Enforcement and market trends
The regulator regularly updates guidelines (harm-minimization, barring, FRT standards), as well as content control practices and promotions. Sites shall load and synchronize barring orders in systems in a timely manner.
Against the backdrop of Crown/Star cases around the country, SA is strengthening the penalty and supervisory circuit for casinos and secretly raising expectations for AML/KYC and intervention logs in the halls.
Compliance checklist (for operators and suppliers)
1. Online wagering: IGA compliance (no casinos/poker/in-play online) + 15% PoCT state accounting; correct geo-attribution of SA customers.
2. Advertising/UGC: follow ABO Gambling Code and Guidelines - do not offer "inducements," do not allow aggressive promos; trade promo - with CBS approval only.
3. EGM platforms: perform Gaming Machines Gambling Code (informing, logs, interventions), support FRT (if EGM ≥30), promptly apply barring.
4. Casino/vendors: consider post-AUSTRAC mode for Adelaide Casino, possible penalty increases, strengthen AML/CTF controls and reporting.
Perspective (2025-2027)
SA will continue to take a hard line on harm-minimisation and AML/CTF: expanding FRT/barring practices, supporting PoCT, refining practice codes and increasing sanctions for casinos. For compliant operators, this means a high requirement threshold (RG, AML, advertising), but a predictable environment when properly integrated into CBS processes.
Terms
CBS/Liquor & Gambling Commissioner is SA's state regulator and oversight body.
GMA 1992 - Law on slot machines in pubs/clubs.
ABOA 2000 - Betting/betting law.
Casino Act 1997 - Adelaide Casino Act.
Betting Operations Tax (PoCT) - tax at the place of consumption of rates: 15% of NWR.
FRT - facial recognition technology (face recognition) to control barred players (required when ≥30 EGM).