For quite a while now, Australian poker players haven’t been able to play poker online. Ever since 2001 when the country enacted a law prohibiting all unlicensed online gaming websites on which games are played for real money from providing their services to Australian players, most international gambling websites became unavailable for players in Australia.

• Online Poker Banned In Australia Fires
• Online Poker Banned In Australia

In the wake of the 2017 Australian legislation designed to curtail online gambling, poker operators, 888 for example, exited the country in droves.PokerStars announced its withdrawal too and is also no longer serving Australia's residents as of Sept. But there's at least one organisation that opted to head in the opposite direction: Ignition Casino Poker. Online Poker has been banned in Australia since 2017 and has completely failed. Help repeal the ban by signing a petition at online-poker-Australia.com.

There is, however, a legally grey area in this law, and although most international websites do not accept Australian players, there are still some that do. Allow me to explain the situation in detail and introduce you to some of the best Australian online poker sites where you are still welcome to play.

These are my top picks for reliable online poker sites that accept Australian players in 2021:

Ignition Poker

Ignition Casino Poker

• Bonus Package:A$1,350 in Welcome Bonuses
• Bonus:100% up to A$1,000
• Bonus Code:Not required
• Last Checked:February 2021
• Compatible on:Mobiles, laptops, desktops

Ignition Casino is the number one recommended poker room for players in Australia. It was formed in 2016 when the company acquired Bovada Poker, a well-established poker site. In its first year, the website already had a player base of over 2500 real-money players, as well as around 1500 players on a weekly basis, making it one of the biggest fish in the sea.

The website is available to USA and Australian players, and it constantly receives praise from the Australian gaming community. All this makes it one of the best Australian online poker sites.

Deposit and Withdrawal Options

Since there’s only Bitcoin, Mastercard, and Visa on offer, you could say that the deposit options are fairly limited. The casino uses these options for a good reason — they are the quickest and safest methods for transferring money today. When you deposit money using one of these options, you will see that deposits are almost instantaneous. Bitcoin deposit limits range from $20 to $5000 while Mastercard/Visa deposits are between $20 and $1000.

When withdrawing money, you can choose one of the two options — Bitcoin and withdrawal via cheque. Bitcoin withdrawals are very quick and you can withdraw $20-$3000. If you choose the cheque method, expect to receive the money in approximately 10 days.

Security and Software

Ignition Casino is licensed by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, a respected company that ensures each game is fair and safe. The 128-bit SSL encryption is there to make sure that every transaction remains as safe as possible. Also, the casino uses a random number generator to ensure the fairness of the games.

Their games use software from several developers, providing only the best graphics and smoothest gameplay to give you the best experience possible. The games can be played in your browser, so you don’t have to download anything. Just log in from your PC or mobile device and you’ll be good to go.

Bonuses

A welcome package of up to $2350 in bonuses is promoted but we would advise players to take advantage of the 100% welcome deposit bonus that will match your first deposit 100% up to $1000. The referral bonus gives you 200% of the money your friends deposited the first time (up to $100), and the weekly bonus offered every Monday is a 100% match bonus worth up to $100.

These and other available bonuses come with wagering requirements of 25x you have to meet before you can withdraw the money won with bonus funds.

Ignition Poker Screenshots

Read the full Ignition Poker Review

Juicy Stakes Poker

Juicy Stakes

• Bonus Package:200% Poker Bonus
• Bonus:200% up to $1,000
• Bonus Code:1000JUICY
• Last Checked:February 2021
• Compatible on:Mobiles, laptops, desktops

Juicy Stakes is a popular online poker site in the United States and Australia. The website was set up in 2013 and it currently holds a license from Curacao. For over seven years now, Juicy Stakes Poker has provided players from the United States and Australia with a great selection of poker games, a worthwhile welcome package, and various low and high-stake games. The poker site offers a great mobile experience, a very beneficial tournament system, and an instant play platform that will make your experience worthwhile.

Deposits and Withdrawal Options

Juicy Stakes makes it easy to deposit and withdraw your money. The majority of depositing requests are processed instantly. You can deposit between $25 and $5,000 for most payment methods, and reference the exact limits in the cashier section. Withdrawals are usually processed using popular payment methods as Skrill, Neteller, Check, Bank Wire, and even Bitcoin. The withdrawals are usually fixed at $2,560, but some fees may apply.

Security and Software

Juicy Stakes Poker takes the safety of players seriously. The online poker site runs as a licensed card room and is part of the Winning Poker Network, which is one of the world’s largest and safest poker ecosystems available to US and Aussie players.

The website uses state-of-the-art 256-bit SSL technology encryption to protect player data and personal information with each transaction. Meanwhile, the website is updated in real time to guarantee that all necessary web standards have been met. Players can enjoy a compatible and fulfilling experience playing at the poker room from their PCs and Mac devices as well as enjoying smooth gameplay regardless of the operating system.

Bonuses

Juicy Stakes Poker players stand to benefit from a great welcome package that allows players to claim up to $1,000 matched at 200%. To release the bonus funds, players need to earn Frequent Player Points (FPP) where every 83.335 FPPs are worth $5 of bonus money released. There are various other promotions to take part in, including the Daily Freerolls, Depositor Freeroll, and more!

Countries accepted (from this site):

• United States
• Australia
• Canada
• New Zealand
• South Africa

Countries restricted (from this site):

• United Kingdom

Read the full Juicy Stakes review.

Juicy Stakes Poker Screenshots

Americas Cardroom

(No longer accepts Australian Players)

• Recommended Bonus:200% up to A$1,000 (With crypto)
• Alternative Bonus:100% up to A$1,000
• Bonus Code:CRYPTO (if using crypto)
• Last Checked:February 2021
• Compatible on:Mobiles, laptops, desktops

Americas Cardroom has existed for around 16 years, and even though it encountered some problems in 2006, it managed to overcome all obstacles and become one of the top poker websites once again.

This website is for poker only and there are thousands of players online at any time. Americas Cardroom hosts many cash and sit and go tournaments, so if you are a fan of competitive poker, this is the right place for you.

Deposit and Withdrawal Options

Accepted deposit options are Bitcoin, cryptocurrencies, Ria, and money transfer. Bitcoin seems to be the best option, as you can deposit $10-$25.000 in BTC.

For withdrawals, you can choose between Bitcoin, cryptocurrencies, money transfer, and bank draft payment. With Bitcoin and crypto payouts you can withdraw $50-$10.000, and for money transfer and bank draft, the thresholds are $100-$350 and $100-$3.500, respectively.

Security and Software

This site uses 256-bit SSL technology to encrypt players’ personal information and every transaction. Their dedicated customer support team is ready to assist you every day, all day. The site is also part of Winning Poker Network, the biggest network up to date.

The service uses its own proprietary software, and you can play the games by downloading the client that is around 120 megabytes in size. It can be installed on PCs and Mac devices, and there are also Android and iOS versions, so all you need to do is download and play instantly.

Bonuses

All new players receive a 100% bonus worth up to $100. Once you register and make a deposit, you will receive $2 to $6 each day for the next 20 days if you log in every day to claim the rewards.

If you choose the VIP programme, you will receive points for each $1 you stake. These bonus points will give you more cash prizes and help you advance through the VIP programme if you play on a daily basis.

Read the full Americas Cardroom Review

Americas Cardroom Screenshots

Legal Situation Regarding Australia Poker Sites

Online Poker Banned In Australia Fires

In 2001, under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001, the country made some interactive gambling activities illegal for players stationed in Australia, including online casinos. This means that it is an offence to provide players in Australia with a prohibited or unlicensed regulated gambling service or provide an Australian-based gambling service to players in certain countries.

Unfortunately, the law applies to both international and Australian online poker sites. This law was enforced to protect Australians from the harmful effects of gambling. It is important to mention that this law is targeting online gaming service providers and not the users themselves.

You can still play on unlicensed online poker sites, although that’s not advisable. Such websites can simply decide not to pay out your winnings. In case that happens, you’ll have no one to turn to. You can take certain precautions while playing on such sites, like getting your money as soon as you win it, or, even better, you can play on some of the websites I recommend below.

Online Poker Banned In Australia

Why Are These Sites Recommended for Australian Players?

There are a lot of websites online where you can play poker for real money. Testing each of them can be a tiresome task, which is why I’ve done the tedious work for you to enjoy.

While testing these websites, I always put the security of players above everything else. This means that the sites mentioned here provide proper payouts and are considered legal poker sites in Australia.

Aside from being secure when it comes to playing with real money and protecting your personal data, these websites also provide new players with great bonuses. First-time players, as well as loyal users, can enjoy welcome deposit bonuses and tiered and flat loyalty bonuses.

Each of these websites is a high-quality platform that offers fair odds and great payout ratios. All of them pay out at reasonably fast rates, 1-4 days, and you can collect your money via credit and debit cards, as well as cryptocurrencies and bank transfers.

Top Australian Deposit and Withdrawal Options

The two poker rooms that I have tested and recommend in this article all offer great options when it comes to making your first deposit and withdrawing your winnings when you are ready. My recommended online poker sites offer home currency deposits and receiving your winnings is just as easy in your home currency as well. As is the case with Australian land based poker rooms, the real money online poker sites in Australia are quick to deposit your winnings within a reasonably quick timeframe which is anywhere between 1 to 3 days in some cases.

Deposit options range from the usual favorites such as debit and credit card, e-cheque, wire transfer, bank transfer, and e-wallet options such as PayPal, Payoneer, and Skrill. These options are all designed to be easy to the player and provide a stress-free deposit/withdrawal experience.

The speed in which these options can be carried out varies from site to site but the ones that I recommend all pay-out within a reasonable timeframe which is anywhere from 1-4 days on average. When it comes time to collect your winnings, the choices recommended here offer withdrawal options that include debit card, credit card, bank transfer and e-wallet transfer.

The deposit and withdrawal options are designed to be safe and secure with your personal safety and protection at the very heart of how these online poker websites operate. In addition to testing the security features of these sites, I also test for information security and keep a hawk eye out for any public complaints so you can rest assured that your banking details are safe.

In Australian real money online poker rooms, you can get a part of the action for a deposit as low as $10 AUD in some cases and make a withdrawal of the same amount. Ignition Poker and Americas Cardroom both offer welcome bonuses and ongoing player loyalty bonuses as well.

How I Rank These Sites Fairly

Choosing the right online poker site can be tricky given the massive amount of choices available on the internet. That’s why I have spent countless hours testing the sites out there so that you don’t have to. Security is my main testing criteria and I go the extra mile to test the robust security features of the sites I recommend in addition to trying to poke holes in everything from deposit requirements to infrastructure. It is vitally important to steer clear of any sites that are less than reputable and sticking to the sites that I’ve filtered my ongoing search down to, means that you don’t have to worry about being paid properly or playing on a site that is against the law.

My stringent testing criteria is incredibly thorough and you can rest assured that any online poker site that has passed my criteria is of the highest quality and offers a fantastic balance of fair odds and great pay-out ratios.

Massive Bonuses for Everyone

Face it – we all love a free deposit bonus. And one of the main things that I am extremely big on when it comes to testing is the size and regularity of the available bonuses for first timers and loyal players alike. You want the absolute best for your money and I want to make sure that you are receiving the best bonuses available.

All of the no deposit bonus poker sites that I suggest offer great welcome deposit bonuses in addition to tiered and flat loyalty bonuses for returning players. The welcome bonus offer on real money Australian poker sites usually follows a match deposit pattern where the site will match your initial deposit with real money to be used for in-game play.

Is It Safe to Gamble With Real Money on These Poker Rooms?

Gambling on poker websites is perfectly safe providing you play on the sites that I have personally tested and recommend. As is the case with most things online, you have to make sure that you are not setting yourself up for disaster by not protecting yourself when online and making sure that you are able to have fun whilst keeping your personal details safe and secure.

That being said, by remaining diligent and by sticking to the sites that I recommend, you can rest assured that they have been tested for payouts and overall security.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, they do. Both of these websites accept Bitcoin among other cryptocurrencies.

There are none. Australian citizens cannot own any web-based poker rooms inside the country, but there are international websites that cater to Australian players.

Since the 2001 legislation was passed and online casino establishments were banned, many online casinos restricted access to Australian poker players.

They can play on Ignition Poker and Americas Cardroom. There are also many unregulated online poker websites out there but I0 can’t be sure they are safe, which is why I recommend these two.

Online poker was banned in 2001 when online poker sites were proclaimed illegal in Australia. However, since there are so many eager players, there are still some methods Australians can use to play poker online.

Unfortunately, at the moment, there aren’t any Australian poker sites that accept PayPal. Still, there are plenty of alternatives payment methods that retain a low fee especially if you're open to using cryptocurrency.

The Australian government has banned online poker.

The Turnbull administration took the measure in a bid to close legislative loopholes that it believes lead to match and spot-fixing in professional sports.

Although the Australian Online Poker Alliance and Liberal Democrat Senator David Leyonhjelm made a strong case, the Australian Senate granted ascent to the Interactive Gambling Amendment Bill that the Minister for Human Services Alan Tudge submitted last year.

Australia’s politicians split over poker ban

The legislation sought to close loopholes created by previous acts.

But while the main aim of the amendment is to clamp down on spot and match-fixing, Seantor Leyonhjelm (below) was quick to point out that, “Online poker is not a spectator sport. Nobody tries to fix a cricket match as part of a poker game. There is no public interest in banning it. It’s insane that it even got caught up with it.”

On the matter of fixing sporting fixtures, the senator was equally impressive: “Banning live betting on the Internet in this country will have no more impact on match fixing than banning the production of pornography in Australia would have on the availability of porn, the Internet just doesn’t work that way.”

In spite of the strength of Leyonhjelm’s logic, Australia has now joined American in prohibiting a game that many play for pleasure and from which some make a very good living.

PokerStars threatens to withdraw from Australia

As for the industry reaction, it’s best encapsulated by PokerStars: “We are aware that the Interactive Gambling Amendment Bill 2016 has passed the Senate. Pending final approval by the House of Representatives, we are readying ourselves to withdraw our real-money poker platform from the Australian market.

“Should it pass, Australian players will be able to continue to log in or play until we withdraw – and we will give clear guidance direct to our players on when that will happen. Our players remain a priority, and their funds will, as always, remain secure and accessible for withdrawal.

“We have serviced the Australian poker community for many years, and although it will come as scant consolation for some real money players living there, should the bill pass we will continue to offer free to play products within the jurisdiction. We remain dedicated to growing the game of poker.”

David Leyonhjelm, on the other hand, advised online poker players to “screw the government, get a VPN and an offshore account and carry on as you are. I wish you the very best of luck.”