ThePokies.net has been operating in Australia for over four years. Until recently, it claimed to hold an official licence issued by the Curaçao eGaming authority. In fact, ThePokies Casino still makes this claim in its homepage content, as seen below:
Despite this discrepancy, the casino has now secured a legitimate digital gambling licence from PAGCOR.
The official seal links directly to the validation page, allowing anyone to verify its legitimacy.
The licence remains valid until 31 December 2026. But what does this actually mean for the safety and security of Pokies.net players?
Is ThePokies.net Casino License Legit?
Although ThePokies.net still claims to hold a Curaçao licence in its website content, the PAGCOR eGaming licence is indeed valid. The seal displayed in the casino’s footer can be clicked to verify its authenticity.
But does this make ThePokies.net Casino legal in Australia? Not by a long shot. The Australian Government has deemed all online casino activities illegal under the Interactive Gambling Act of 2001 and its subsequent amendments. Even if the law weren’t so clear-cut, acquiring an offshore licence does not automatically make an online casino legal in every jurisdiction.
PAGCOR is the least recognised digital gaming licence, issued by the Philippine Amusement & Gaming Corporation. While it is legitimate within the issuing country, some operators use it to provide digital gambling services in Asian countries where online casinos are not explicitly prohibited.
However, it carries no legitimacy elsewhere—arguably even less than a Curaçao or Kahnawake iGaming licence.
Benefits of Pokies.net Casino’s License
It seems that ThePokies.net has finally recognised its popularity among Aussie players and decided to legitimise its services. While its games and bonuses are solid, ACMA continues to block its URL each month, and the casino has been inconsistent with payouts and player support.
Nevertheless, Aussie pokies players keep flocking to the site, making deposits, and engaging with its services. Given this, we support the operator’s move to somewhat validate its operations. Even if the average player doesn’t realise it, ThePokies.net Casino’s new licence provides the following benefits:
- We now know the casino’s owner—Digibrite S.R.L. This means players have a named entity to take legal action against if ThePokies.net fails to pay out winnings.
- The fact that the casino has paid for a licence suggests it doesn’t intend to disappear before it expires.
- Disgruntled players can use the validation page to lodge a complaint with the official authority.
The impact of these points would carry more weight if the licence had been issued by a more reputable authority. However, this is still a step in the right direction for the casino.
How Does PAGCOR Compare to Other Licensing Authorities?
The PAGCOR offshore gaming licence is one of the most expensive permits that international online casinos can acquire. According to data available on the official site, ThePokies.net likely paid around USD 300,000 for its licence.
For comparison, other eGaming licences typically cost around USD 50,000. That said, Curaçao is known for maintaining a cleaner regulatory framework, which is why most reputable international online casinos choose it. Curaçao-licensed casinos also tend to have better dispute resolution processes than those licensed by PAGCOR, Costa Rica, or Kahnawake.
Of course, licences issued by local gambling authorities carry far more weight—think UKGC, NJDGE, and Ontario iGaming. Additionally, regulators like the MGA, which issue licences to international online casinos, clearly define the jurisdictions in which their licensees can operate. That doesn’t seem to be the case here.
My guess is that ThePokies.net opted for this licence because it had no other choice after facing numerous complaints over the past few years.
Can Aussie Players Expect Better Payouts and Support?
My guess is that ThePokies.net won’t change course until players start lodging complaints and the casino risks losing its newly acquired licence. Articles like this will hopefully help raise awareness about the available options for seeking assistance.
Ultimately, with the company name now on record, players can file an official lawsuit against Digibrite if necessary. However, such a case would hold little weight due to jurisdictional limitations.
Alternatives to ThePokies.net for Aussie Players
I wouldn’t put my reputation on the line for any site like ThePokies.net. Casinos that have scammed players in the past are unlikely to suddenly change course. If that ever happens, I’ll update this page and other relevant articles on ThePokies.co.
Personally, I only recommend Aussie online casinos managed by companies with a long and positive track record—think FairGo, SkyCrown, FortunePlay, and Wazamba. These sites offer equally great games and bonuses as ThePokies.net but without the baggage. So why risk your safety, money, and well-being by playing at operators with a history of being unreliable?
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