I’ve realized that the biggest innovations in the world of online gambling have recently been aimed towards Live Casinos. New and existing customers of regular online casinos are quickly becoming part of these luxurious and breath-taking tables hosted by live dealers that normally feature some of the most popular table games in the online gaming industry.
To list all the reasons why live dealer casinos are so immensely popular would take me forever. The exhilarating experience of playing at a table with a live dealer is something that you cannot replicate in a standard online casino. In addition, you can also socialise with other players and win large amounts of money.
After some extensive research, I noticed that players residing in Australia are becoming increasingly accustomed to Live Casinos and the demand for live dealer gaming in the country is rapidly expanding. Therefore, I’ve dedicated this page to offer some insight into the best Australian live dealer casinos and provide useful information on each of them to assist you in making the right decision once you are ready to take the next step in enhancing your online gaming experience. I am firstly going to provide crucial information on the legality of gambling in Australia, explain who regulates gambling in the country, provide a list of the top live casinos that support Australian players, and include a list of available live dealer games that you can enjoy.
Australia's Top Online Live Casinos
Rank | Online Casino | Bonus | Devices | Rating | Review | Play |
1st |
$888Welcome Bonus |
Play Now | ||||
2nd |
£100Welcome Bonus |
Play Now | ||||
3rd |
$1000Welcome Bonus |
Play Now | ||||
4th |
$2500Welcome Bonus |
Play Now | ||||
5th |
£300Welcome Bonus |
Play Now |
Legality of live casinos in Australia
Placing a bet at online casinos was supposed to be eliminated through the Interactive Gambling Act of 2001, although penalties were only levied against operators and not against players themselves. This allowed citizens of Australia to continue playing with anyone who accepted their bets, and as I’m sure you know, there are plenty of offshore casinos that are willing to flaunt the law.
In 2001, the Australian Commonwealth Parliament passed the Interactive Gambling Act (IGA), targeting online operators with the intention to protect the public from the harmful effects of online gambling. Although Australian residents were still able to access online casinos without any fear of legal repercussions, it was the operators who were unable to offer virtual gambling to residents inside the country’s borders.
This also prohibited any advertisements relating to internet gambling across all forms of media whether they were located abroad or in Australia. I would like to point out that sports betting sites were not included in the restrictions, and gambling operators based in Australia could offer their services to any foreign country. Online lotteries were also excluded if the operator obtained the necessary license and didn’t provide scratch cards to players.
After the IGA passed in 2001, it seemed that all parties were content. There were no major changes for more than a decade and even when the IGA was reviewed in 2011, there were only a few recommendations made. However, things began to drastically change in 2011 when Alan Tudge was appointed the new Minister of Human Services. Tudge was given the intimidating task of bringing the country’s $20 billion gambling industry up to scratch with modern standards. Tudge approached his new task passionately and made everyone in the gambling industry extremely uneasy with legislation being introduced within the same year. In the first quarter of 2017, these revisions were successfully passed into law:
- Sports bettors may join an online self-exclusion list for a period no less than three months, or of their own choosing.
- Online sports betting sites need to offer pre-commitment schemes to players.
- Virtual bookmakers are no longer allowed to offer ‘free bets’ to customers in Australia.
The most significant changes were made through the Interactive Gambling Bill of 2016. In March 2017, the Australian Senate approved several amendments to Australia’s online gambling laws that include outlawing in-play sports betting and online poker.
Who Regulates Gambling in Australia?
Gambling regulation in the country of Australia is achieved on two levels. The central government takes on the role in both the hobby and supervision, amending and adding of relevant laws, while regulation also takes place at the territorial and state level, along with several authorities that carry out these functions. I have included a list of organizations, and the regions where they have authority, involved in Australian gambling regulation:
- Tasmania – Tasmanian Gaming Commission
- Western Australia – Department of Racing, Gaming, and Liquor
- Victoria – Victorian Commission of Gambling and Liquor Regulation
- Queensland – Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation
- South Australia – Independent Gambling Authority
- New South Wales – Office of Liquor, Gaming, and Racing
- Northern Territory – Licensing Commission
- Australian Capital Territory – ACT Gambling and Racing Commission
Top Rated Live Casinos in Australia
In my experience, to locate a top-notch online casino offering real croupiers, excellent video streaming, and smooth gameplay functionality can be quite easy if you know what you are looking for. For instance, I would first check if the live casino in question is safe and secure as well as fair along with an excellent reputation. In addition, my live dealer experience is also made more enjoyable if the live dealers are native speakers. Furthermore, several banking options can also make depositing and withdrawing funds much easier and far more convenient.
I’ve spend hours on each of these online casinos so you don’t have to. Below you will find my top four live casinos choices with Australian players in mind. Each of the live casino destinations offer some of the best live dealer experiences with a great assortment of live dealer games, banking options, and welcome offers powered by some of the leading software providers in the world.
LeoVegas Casino
Although the company only started investing in a Live Casino during 2015, they offer 7 Live Casinos along with their own dealing room, known as ‘Chambre Separee’, situated in Evolution studios.
I am extremely pleased with their great mix of software providers including LuckyStreak, Ezugi, Evolution Gaming, Portomaso (Wirex), NetEnt, Extreme Live Gaming, and Authentic Gaming.
The selection of games streamed from studios includes Ultimate Texas Hold’em, Dreamcatcher, Caribbean Poker, 3 Card Poker, Casino Hold’em, Baccarat, Roulette, and Blackjack. There are also several roulette tables streamed from land-based casinos situated in Gibraltar and Malta. The casino also boasts with a great range of bets and a comprehensive set of payment methods. Lastly, there is nothing I can complain about when it comes to promotions or their stellar customer service centre.
Genting Live Casino
This live casino brand went through a complete makeover in 2016 and invested a lot of time and effort in getting things perfect. I noticed that the result is two dedicated studios, including Genting and for high rollers/ VIP’s the Crockfords live casino.
Personally, I find them to be the best live casino software in the business when it comes to studio-based live casinos. The software interfaces are in high definition quality along with auto sensing streaming to further enhance your gameplay experience. They have also taken the entire Evolution library and offered several of them in their dedicated studios. They are one in a few to offer a dedicated Three Card Poker table. I found no drama with their banking services, and the same can be said about their regular promotions and excellent customer service.
Celtic Live Casino
Another great option I would recommend to Australian customers is Celtic Live Casino. They might not offer the same variety of games as an Evolution Gaming-based casino, but they provide one of the best live blackjack games on the market. Blackjack is enjoyed with six decks along with an Early pay-out slightly improving the RTP. A lower house edge means my bankroll will last longer and that’s exactly why I would play here. They have also added brand-new HD tables, making a world of difference.
This live casino brand utilises software from Visionary iGaming situated in Costa Rica. They only offer a core set of games including Roulette, Baccarat, and Blackjack. There are also no dedicated tables available and only includes general play tables shared with other Visionary iGaming casinos. The stakes are mainly aimed towards low roller players and the banking section provides a great set of options. Unfortunately, there are no promotions aimed towards table games, but for me that’s perfect as the wagering requirements can be a pain. Lastly, the customer support is available around the clock and are extremely friendly and helpful.
William Hill Live Casino
If I had to be pushed to decide between all my top choices, it would most probably be William Hill. They are the best all round live casino, offering the most extensive set of dedicated tables. Getting a seat has never been a problem for me and the promotions are plentiful.
I also like the dedicated rooms, each providing a different look and feel. William Hill utilises Evolution Gaming software along with Playtech Live casino software to provide a slightly different gaming experience. The games on offer include Blackjack with a comprehensive selection of side bets, Baccarat, Roulette, 3 Card Poker, Casino Hold’em, Caribbean Stud Poker, Dreamcatcher, and Ultimate Texas Hold’em. There is a massive selection of tables with both high and low stakes available and the banking section caters to a wide-ranging set of payment methods with cash out times taking place within 24 hours.