For generations, bingo in Australia meant a quiet hall, paper tickets, and a dauber. It was considered a low-risk social activity, popular among older Australians and community groups. But that image is changing.
In recent years, bingo has undergone a quiet transformation. Electronic tablets, linked jackpots, and commercial operators have introduced features that increase the speed and intensity of play. These changes have caught the attention of regulators, leading to new laws and a public health approach to a game once considered harmless.
This article examines the current state of bingo in Australia, including recent regulatory changes in Victoria, the legal status of online bingo sites, and emerging concerns about gambling harm.
Bingo in Australia – A Game in Transition
Bingo is regulated at the state and territory level in Australia. Unlike online casinos, which are prohibited under federal law, bingo occupies a unique space. It can be offered both in land-based venues and, in some jurisdictions, online.
The digitisation of bingo has introduced new features such as personal electronic tablets (PETs), rolling jackpots, and the physical proximity of bingo to other gambling products like electronic gaming machines. These changes have transformed a slow-paced social activity into a faster, more commercialised gambling product.
In Victoria alone, thousands of players participate in bingo each year, often in community settings but increasingly through digital formats. Approximately 220,000 Australians play online bingo monthly, according to industry estimates, making it the third most popular iGaming category behind sports betting and online poker.
Bingo Regulatory Status by State
| State/Territory | Land-Based Bingo | Online Bingo (Australian) | Regulator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Victoria | Yes (legal) | No (banned since 2022) | VGCCC |
| New South Wales | Yes (legal) | Restricted | ILGA NSW |
| Queensland | Yes (legal) | Restricted | OLGR |
| Northern Territory | Yes (legal) | Yes (licensed) | NTRWC |
| Western Australia | Yes (legal) | Restricted | DLGSC |
| South Australia | Yes (legal) | Restricted | CBS SA |
| Tasmania | Yes (legal) | Restricted | Tasmanian Liquor and Gaming Commission |
The Victorian Inquiry – New Rules for Electronic Bingo
Victoria has been at the forefront of bingo regulation reform. In 2024, the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) conducted an Inquiry into bingo provision and regulation. The Inquiry was informed by research from La Trobe University, which examined how digitisation and commercialisation have introduced new harms.
Professor Sarah MacLean and her research team found that personal electronic tablets (PETs), rolling jackpots, and the proximity of bingo to electronic gaming machines have changed the nature of play. These features increase the speed and intensity of gambling, creating risks that were previously absent in traditional bingo.
The research identified that certain groups are particularly vulnerable to these new harms, including older women, First Nations communities, and people experiencing financial hardship.
Regulatory actions adopted following the Inquiry:
A cap of 48 electronic tickets per game has been introduced. Modernised equipment standards for electronic tablets have been established. Enhanced data collection and publication by operators is now required. Bingo areas must be separated from electronic gaming machines where possible.
Professor MacLean stated: “In consultation with bingo players, we recommend reorienting the Victorian Government gambling framework to adopt a public health approach to bingo, with harm reduction and fairness to players as key legislative aims”.
Online Bingo in Australia – What Is Legal?
The legal status of online bingo varies significantly by state. Victoria has taken the strongest stance.
Victoria – Online bingo is banned:
Since the Gambling and Liquor Legislation Amendment Act 2022, Victoria has prohibited the online conduct of bingo. Section 8.4.7B of the Gambling Regulation Act 2003 states: “A person must not conduct a session of bingo via a website or any other online platform or interface”. The same law also prohibits the sale of bingo tickets online. Violations carry a penalty of 60 penalty units (approximately $11,000). However, the law does permit the use of electronic ticket devices used by a player at the premises where bingo is conducted.
Other states and territories:
In the Northern Territory, online bingo is permitted under licence. This has made the NT a hub for online wagering operators, though bingo remains a smaller segment of the market. In other states, the regulatory picture is less clear. Offshore online bingo sites are not licensed in Australia, but they remain accessible to Australian players. As with online casinos, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has powers to block offshore sites, but enforcement has focused primarily on casino-style products.
Popularity of online bingo:
Despite regulatory restrictions, online bingo remains popular. Industry estimates suggest approximately 220,000 Australians play online bingo monthly, with typical stakes ranging from $0.10 to $50.
Beyond the Hall – New Harms and Prevention Efforts
The digitisation of bingo has introduced new risks that regulators are only beginning to address.
Emerging harms identified by research:
Electronic tablets allow players to purchase and mark multiple tickets simultaneously, accelerating the rate of play. Rolling jackpots that grow over time encourage extended sessions. Furthermore, bingo is increasingly offered in venues with electronic gaming machines, exposing players to other forms of gambling. Consequently, the distinction between traditional bingo and other gambling products has become less clear.
Prevention and responsible gambling measures:
Several tools and programs are now available for bingo players. Self-exclusion programs are available through state regulators, though BetStop covers online wagering but not bingo specifically. Some online platforms offer voluntary deposit limits and time-out periods. Education campaigns are raising awareness about the risks of electronic bingo.
If you play bingo in Victoria, you should be aware of the new limits on electronic tickets. If you play online bingo on offshore sites, you should understand that these sites are not licensed in Australia and offer no consumer protections. The VGCCC recommends that players only use licensed venues and report any concerns about unfair practices.
Emerging Harms vs Traditional Bingo
| Feature | Traditional Paper Bingo | Electronic Bingo (PETs) | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed of play | Slow (manual marking) | Fast (auto-marking) | Higher with PETs |
| Ticket capacity | Limited (manual handling) | High (up to 48 per game) | Higher with PETs |
| Jackpot features | Simple fixed prizes | Rolling jackpots, linked prizes | Higher with PETs |
| Social interaction | High (community setting) | Reduced (focus on screens) | Lower with PETs |
| Proximity to EGM | Often separate | Increasingly adjacent | Higher with PETs |
| Vulnerable groups | Lower risk profile | Older women, First Nations, financial hardship | Higher with PETs |
Bingo in Australia is changing. What was once a low-risk social activity has been transformed by electronic tablets, rolling jackpots, and commercial operators. New research has identified emerging harms, particularly for older women, First Nations communities, and people experiencing financial hardship.
Victoria has led the regulatory response with a cap of 48 electronic tickets per game and a ban on online bingo. Meanwhile, other states are watching closely. As a result, the public health approach recommended by researchers – prioritising harm reduction and fairness to players – may become the national standard.
For players, the key message is awareness. Electronic bingo is faster and more intense than traditional paper games. If you play, set limits, take breaks, and understand the risks.
Sources: Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC), La Trobe University research, ICLG Gambling Laws and Regulations Report 2026, AustLII
Is Online Bingo Legal in Australia?
Q1: Is online bingo legal in Australia? ▼
It depends on the state. Victoria has banned online bingo since 2022. The Northern Territory permits online bingo under licence. In other states, the legal status is less clear. Offshore online bingo sites are not licensed in Australia.
Q2: What are the new bingo rules in Victoria? ▼
Following a 2024 Inquiry, new rules include a cap of 48 electronic tickets per game, modernised equipment standards, and enhanced data collection. The rules aim to reduce harms associated with electronic bingo while preserving the game’s social benefits.
Q3: Can I play bingo on my phone in Australia? ▼
In Victoria, no. Victorian law prohibits conducting bingo via any website or online platform. In the Northern Territory, yes, under licence. Offshore bingo apps are not regulated by Australian authorities.
Q4: Is bingo considered gambling? ▼
Yes. Bingo is a chance-based game and is regulated as a form of gambling in Australia. However, it has traditionally been viewed as lower-risk than pokies or casino games. New research suggests electronic bingo carries higher risks than traditional paper-based bingo.
Q5: Where can I find a licensed bingo venue near me? ▼
Licensed bingo venues are regulated by state authorities. In Victoria, you can check the VGCCC website for licensed operators. In other states, contact the relevant state gambling regulator listed in the table above.
