For organisations considering diversifying into the online gambling market in Australia, the most common licence sought is a corporate bookmaker licence. Operator licences are nearly always State or Territory based and are typically monopolistic or very limited in numbers. There are several online only gambling licences which are also available, covering certain forms of internet gaming and bookmaking.
Bookmaker licences can be issues by Licensing Northern Territory (Licensing NT) or by a principal racing authority in Australia (PRA). A sports bookmaker licence (often referred to as a ‘corporate bookmaker licence’ (Corporate Bookmaker Licence)) issued in the NT enables the bookmaker to offer fixed odds betting online and over the telephone on sports, racing and other approved events. There is no limit on the number of Corporate Bookmaker Licences the NT may issue. Fantasy sports betting in Australia is typically permitted under a Corporate Bookmaker Licence.
In the case of a bookmaker licence issues by a PRA, an uindividual (or sometimes incorporated) bookmaker operating at a racecourse in Australia (On-course Bookmaker) is required to hold a State or Territory based on-course Licence, issued by the relevant PRA. An On-Course Bookmaker can also accept bets over the telephone and via the internet where appropriately licensed.
Our team has in-depth expertise in submitting gambling license applications for online operators and suppliers and negotiating on behalf of clients with State and Territory regulators. The licensing process process for a Corporate Bookmaker Licence can typically take around 6 months or so from the date of the licence application and requires careful consideration of a range of matters, including the economic benefits which the licensee expects will be derived by the NT.
The Commonwealth and state and territory governments have developed a set of standard minimum protections for online gamblers, which must be adhered to by all online wagering providers. The National Framework will introduce 10 measures to protect consumers. These measures will be enforced across all Australian jurisdictions and align with current regulatory responsibilities.
Beginning from 26 November 2018, the measures within the National Framework have been implemented progressively. Some measures are already in place through the Commonwealth’s Interactive Gambling Amendment Act 2017 and state and territory regulations.
Working with local advisers with deep expertise in the gambling industry will assist applicants to navigate the application process, the likely areas of concern for the Licensing NT and the ability to deal with industry specific issues in a timely and efficient manner.
Senet act for leading online gambling operators and are regularly instructed by entrepreneurs, start-ups, investors and international operators who are seeking to establish business operations in Australia and we have a track record of approvals. We play a critical role in successfully bringing innovative gambling businesses and their products to market by working in partnership with those businesses and their advisers throughout the process.
Our clients rely on us to help them make the right decisions in Australia’s complex and challenging gambling legal, regulatory and political environment and we frequently advise on:
Our experienced team advise all sectors of the gambling industry including Racing, Bookmakers, Casinos, Licensed Gaming Venues, Lotteries, Bingo, Poker, Social Gaming, Skill-based gaming, Gaming Machine Manufacturers and Government Regulators and statutory bodies.