Lyla Lindsey
In 2017, the Australian government banned online poker for real money, which means that PokerStars, one of the biggest names in online poker, no longer offers real money poker to players based in Australia. However, some people have found ways to play PokerStars with real money from Australia, such as by using a VPN or linking a non-Australian bank account.
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What You'll Learn
Using a VPN to play PokerStars in Australia
Real money online poker was banned in Australia in 2017. As a result, major operators such as PokerStars no longer offer real money poker to players based in Australia. However, it may be possible to use a VPN to access PokerStars from Australia.
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, can be used to get around geographical restrictions on online poker sites. When using a VPN, your internet traffic is routed through a server in another location of your choosing, making it appear as though you are accessing the site from a different country. This can be useful for accessing PokerStars when travelling to a country where the site is blocked, such as Australia.
However, there are some risks associated with using a VPN for online poker. Firstly, online poker sites may have tools to detect VPN usage by analysing the IP address of the server you are connected to. PokerStars, in particular, is known to be very strict in this aspect, and there are reports of users having their accounts suspended or blocked for using a VPN. Additionally, a VPN may disconnect at any time, which could result in losing access to the site mid-game.
If you choose to use a VPN to access PokerStars from Australia, it is important to do so with caution. Be sure to carefully study the platform's rules regarding VPN usage before attempting to access the site with a VPN turned on. It is also recommended to use a premium gambling VPN with a kill switch feature and no IP address leaks. Some popular options include NordVPN, Surfshark, IPVanish, PureVPN, and ProtonVPN.
Keep in mind that even with a VPN, you may encounter challenges with payment methods as PokerStars may detect that you are located in Australia. As such, it is important to approach the use of a VPN for playing PokerStars in Australia with caution and ensure that you are complying with local laws and regulations.
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Australian laws banning real money online poker
Real money online poker in Australia was banned in 2017. This ban was the result of amendments to the Interactive Gambling Act of 2001, which prohibited the provision and advertising of online gambling services to Australian residents. The 2017 amendment specifically outlawed online poker for real money.
Before this amendment, online poker advertising was illegal in Australia, but Australians could still play on sites such as 888poker and PokerStars. However, these major operators no longer offer real money poker to players based in Australia. While there are some offshore online poker sites that may accept Australian players, it is important to note that even if playing online poker is not illegal in a particular jurisdiction, it may still be regulated or restricted. Additionally, players may encounter difficulties with depositing and withdrawing funds due to Australian banks and payment providers being prohibited from processing online gambling transactions.
Despite the ban, there have been few reported cases of individuals being prosecuted for playing on offshore sites. However, it is not recommended to play on these sites as it is illegal for unlicensed online poker companies to provide online gambling services to Australian residents.
While real money online poker is illegal in Australia, there are still plenty of options for Australian players to play online poker for free. PokerStars Play, for example, is a free social poker game from one of the biggest names in online poker. While no real money changes hands, players can still experience playing online poker at PokerStars or playing games in the PokerStars Casino without risking any money.
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PokerStars' free-to-play games
PokerStars is no longer available to play for real money in Australia due to the country's Interactive Gambling Act 2001 and the amendment bill passed in 2017. This banned online poker for real money outright.
However, you can still access PokerStars Play, a free social poker game that uses play money instead of real money. This is available worldwide and can be played on mobile or PC.
PokerStars LITE is a free-to-play mobile app that allows you to play poker games with thousands of real players. You can join multi-table poker tournaments or play heads-up poker games, and you get 35,000 free chips as a welcome bonus. PokerStars LITE also offers a wide selection of classic poker games, including Texas Hold'em, Omaha, and Stud.
In addition to these free-to-play games, PokerStars also offers innovative new poker games such as Spin & Go's, Power Up, Knockout Poker, and Zoom. These games offer a fast-paced and exciting online poker experience with the chance to win big in minutes.
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Withdrawing money from PokerStars in Australia
In 2019, PokerStars announced that it would withdraw its services from Australia in response to legislation banning offshore gambling sites. The company stated that it would comply with Australian law and leave the market if the bill passed the House of Representatives. As a result, it is unclear whether PokerStars currently allows withdrawals from Australia.
However, here is a general guide on how to withdraw money from PokerStars:
First, go to the “Withdrawal” tab on the PokerStars website. The window will display the maximum amount available for withdrawal, which may not be the same as your balance. Enter the amount you wish to withdraw and click the "Withdraw" button. Keep in mind that PokerStars has certain requirements for withdrawals. For instance, players must withdraw funds back to the original method used for depositing. Additionally, withdrawals can only be requested 48 hours after your last deposit.
Next, select your preferred payment method. The minimum and maximum withdrawal limits depend on the chosen method. For Visa cards, the minimum and maximum payouts are $100 and $5000, respectively, while for e-wallets, the minimum is $10. You can check the current limits in the cashier section of the poker room.
After submitting your withdrawal request, you will receive a confirmation email. It's important to note that cashouts can be canceled before they are processed by navigating to "Cashier→More→Unprocessed Withdrawals" and confirming the cancellation.
The speed of withdrawals varies depending on the method. All withdrawals will undergo a processing period by PokerStars, typically lasting around 2-3 days. This processing period is implemented to ensure the security of your account and comply with regulations. After this period, e-wallet withdrawals tend to be the quickest, often occurring instantly. On the other hand, withdrawing through bank transfers or wire transfers can take longer, sometimes up to a week or more.
It is worth noting that some users have reported difficulties in withdrawing their funds from PokerStars, citing issues with uploading bank documents and delays in customer support responses. Therefore, it is essential to carefully review the terms and conditions and be prepared to provide any necessary identification or documentation to facilitate a smooth withdrawal process.
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Offshore poker sites accepting Australian players
Real money online poker was banned in Australia in 2017. As a result, major operators such as PokerStars and 888poker no longer offer real money poker to players based in the country. However, there are still some offshore poker sites that accept Australian players.
Offshore wagering, also known as offshore betting or remote gambling, is where Australians can place real money bets with a casino or betting service located outside the country. Australians have increasingly chosen to gamble with overseas operators due to the country's strict stance on online gambling. This has resulted in the Australian government losing out on tax revenue from gambling-related activities.
There are legitimate, reputable offshore casinos that cater to the Australian market. These venues operate outside of Australia and are therefore not restricted by Australian laws. As long as they operate under the rules and regulations set by their country of jurisdiction, offshore casinos can provide a safe and reliable place for Australians to play online poker.
It is important to always check that an offshore casino accepts Australian players and that it is licensed by a reputable gambling jurisdiction. It is also crucial to ensure that the casino is protected by a minimum of 128-bit SSL (Secure Socket Layer) digital encryption technology.
Some examples of offshore poker sites that accept US players and may also be open to players from other countries, such as Australia, include Ignition, Bovada, and Everygame. These sites offer lower rake fees and a larger player pool, providing a competitive offshore poker experience.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you can't play PokerStars with real money from Australia. In 2017, PokerStars could no longer provide Australians access to real money poker games due to the Interactive Gambling Amendment Bill passed by the Australian Parliament.
The Interactive Gambling Act of 2001 prohibited the provision and advertising of online gambling services to Australian residents. The amendment bill passed in 2017 banned online poker for real money outright.
Yes, there are a few alternatives to PokerStars for playing online poker with real money in Australia. Some people have reported success with Ignition, America's Cardroom, and ClubGG. However, it is important to note that online gambling with real money carries risks, and it is the user's responsibility to comply with local laws.
