<P> The Act is targeted at online gambling operators such as Sportsbet, making it an offense for them to offer' real - money' online interactive gambling to residents of Australia . It also makes it illegal for online gambling operators to advertise' real - money' interactive gambling services (such as online poker and casino) to Australian citizens . That being said, the amount spent on online gaming by Australians reached some $800 million by 2010, according to the official 2010 Productivity Report of the Australian Government . </P> <P> Accessing and using the interactive gambling services is not an offence . It is also allowed to companies based in Australia to offer their gambling services to gamblers located outside Australia with the exception of those countries that were called' designated countries' . </P> <P> Gamblers' winnings in Australia are not taxed . There are 3 main reasons for that: </P> <Ul> <Li> Gambling is not considered a profession, it's treated as a hobby or recreational activity . </Li> <Li> The Australian government views gains from gambling activities not as income, but as a result of good luck . Even if someone wins big, they also lose a lot in other gambling sessions . </Li> <Li> The government taxes gambling operators instead . </Li> </Ul>

Do you have to pay tax on gambling winnings australia