Licensing

Generally, gambling products and services can only be offered by entities that hold a licence issued by an Australian state or territory, with online operators required to comply with a complex framework of Commonwealth, state and territory laws. 

The team at Senet have a deep understanding of, and experience in, advising on industry specific regulatory regimes including: 

• licence applications 

• licence conditions 

• system and technology requirements 

• policy and framework documents 

• compliance requirements 

We work closely with our clients to help them navigate the licensing process and leverage our productive relationships with key stakeholders, including regulators, to achieve their desired outcomes. 

We support clients by advising on the operation of, and helping them to obtain, various licences, including those set out below. 

Corporate bookmaking and betting exchange licences 

These licences enable businesses to operate online around Australia (and in overseas jurisdictions where it is legal to do so).  We have experience in the licence application and compliance process for corporate bookmaking licences in many states and territories.   

We anticipate that interest in betting exchange licences will grow following recent reforms in July 2024 which have improved the commercial viability of such licences in the Northern Territory. 

On-course and telephone betting bookmaker licence 

These licences enable an individual or corporation to operate on an Australian racecourse within the relevant licensed jurisdiction. The on-course bookmaker can, if licensed to do so, take bets in person or via the telephone. 

Online bookmaker licence 

These licences enable an individual or corporation to operate online with a designated office within the licensed jurisdiction. This licence enables a bookmaker to take bets online via a website or digital application.

Internet gaming and lottery licences 

This licence enables the licensee to operate an online business which conducts certain types of lotteries within Australia. We have extensive experience in advising on the scope of such licences and the application process.   

Retail lottery licence 

This licence can enable the licensee to operate both a retail and online lottery. The retail operation must be authorised within the Australian licensed jurisdiction. These licences are only available infrequently and are typically subject to formal tender processes.   

Keno licences 

This licence permits the operation of keno draws both online and in licensed retail venues. Similarly to retail lottery licences, these licences are often long-dated and typically operate on an exclusive or ‘sole’ licensee model.   

Commercial raffle operator licence 

Raffles and art unions (as they are variously known around Australia) can only be conducted for charitable or community purposes. It is possible to provide services to charities undertaking raffles and art unions but subject to strict compliance with a number of regulatory requirements. In Victoria, it is also necessary for a service provider to hold a commercial raffle organiser’s licence which is issued by the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC). This licence enables either an individual or corporation to undertake a raffle on behalf of a community or charitable organisation.  

Bingo centre operator’s licence 

This licence is required to operate a bingo centre in some jurisdictions and where certain requirements are met (e.g. in relation to the frequency of games being conducted). The applicable regulations have various requirements that must be satisfied, including in relation to charges levied by bingo centre operators to community or charitable organisations undertaking the bingo games. 

International businesses with operations in Australia 

Senet has significant experience advising businesses on relevant requirements and considerations where they support international gambling-related undertakings.