Best Online Casinos in Australia 2025
Our team evaluated over 300 operators, and the top recommendation for 2025 is OnLuck Casino . This site knocks it out of the park with a massive welcome bonus, over 15,000 games, and crypto withdrawals processed in under a couple of hours.
Our team found several other standout casino sites that gave it a serious run for its money. Into pokies, cashback, or high-roller perks? We've found the top platforms worth your time and bankroll.
Overview of the Best Online Casinos in Australia
OnLuck : Best overall
: Best overall DragonSlots : Best VIP casino
: Best VIP casino Neospin : Best cashback
: Best cashback CrownSlots : Best jackpots
: Best jackpots Slots Gallery : Best bonuses
: Best bonuses Bizzo : Best tournaments
: Best tournaments RioAce : Fastest payouts
: Fastest payouts PlayMojo : Best game variety
: Best game variety King Billy : Best pokies
: Best pokies Ritzo : Best table and live games
Expert Reviews of Australian Online Casinos
Each review below is based on hands-on testing! What follows are the top-rated online casinos in Australia, ranked and reviewed so you can play with confidence and clarity.
1. OnLuc k – Best Overall Online Casino for Real Money Play
Pros:
● ✅ Over 15,000 games, including 12,000+ pokies
● ✅ PWA for smooth mobile play
● ✅ Crypto withdrawals processed in under 24 hours
● ✅ High roller bonuses up to A$27,000
● ✅ Regular promotions and provider tournaments
● ✅ Intuitive user-friendly interface
Cons:
● ❌ High minimum withdrawal of A$45
● ❌ No VIP program
Finding a casino that nails both variety and speed is very tough indeed, but OnLuck gets it right. We tested every angle of this platform, and it quickly became clear why it's our top pick for Australian players in 2025. With a sky-high game count and crypto withdrawals that land within hours, OnLuck is an absolute powerhouse and one of the best payout casinos in Australia .
Game Library – 5/5
We counted over 15,000 titles from 65+ providers, including standout studios like Yggdrasil, BGaming, and Platipus. OnLuck focuses heavily on pokies, with more than 12,000 of them, plus 50+ live dealer games and regular slot tournaments.
We played 80 titles across desktop and mobile, and thanks to the PWA, gameplay was smooth, responsive, and lag-free on mobile.
Bonuses & Promos – 5/5
We activated and tested all promotions ourselves. The wagering terms are fair, with 40x on match bonuses, 30x on free spins, and a reasonable A$10 max bet. While we're not fans of the missing VIP program, the high roller bonuses more than make up for it, with up to A$27,000 and 450 FS. Regular players also get access to a generous welcome package:
● 1st Deposit: 125% up to A$4,500 + 100 FS – Code: LUCKYFRST
● 2nd Deposit: 75% up to A$4,500 + 75 FS – Code: LUCKYSCND
● 3rd Deposit: 85% up to A$3,000 + 50 FS – Code: LUCKYTHRD
Ongoing promos hit the sweet spot between volume and value. The weekly deals include:
● Tuesday Lucky Spins: 30 to 100 free spins
● Friday Reload Bonus: 66% up to A$1,500
Payment Methods, Speed & Limits – 4.9/5
● Fiat: Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Mifinity, eVoucher
● Cryptos: BTC, ETH, LTC, XRP, USDT, Cardano, TRON, Binance, Bitcoin Cash
Deposit minimums start at A$40, while crypto has varied, for example, μBTC250 (Bitcoin) and USDT20. Payouts are capped at A$3,000 daily and A$15,000 monthly, with a minimum withdrawal of A$45. The withdrawal limits could use a rethink, since they are the only weakness of this Australian casino online. On the flip side, our Bitcoin withdrawals landed in under 4 hours.
Our Team's Verdict on OnLuck – 5/5
With all this in mind, it's clear that OnLuck is one of the best online casinos Australia has to offer for game selection and withdrawal speeds. We strongly encourage serious players to give it a go.
>> Play at OnLuck
2. DragonSlots – Best Online Casino for VIP Rewards & Loyalty Bonuses
Pros:
● ✅ 50-level VIP program with cash prizes
● ✅ Welcome bonus up to A$5,250 + 650 free spins
● ✅ Crypto withdrawals are instant
● ✅ 120+ software providers and 6,000+ games
● ✅ Daily missions, quests, and Fortune Wheel for prizes
Cons:
● ❌ Bonus wagering excludes table and live dealer games
● ❌ Bonus release system can be confusing
DragonSlots isn't just about mid rewards; it's built for long-term grinders. We tested everything from missions to reloads and VIP perks, and found that this casino doesn't just talk big, it pays big. If you're after gamification, rewards, and a VIP system that actually delivers, DragonSlots is your casino.
Game Library – 4.9/5
With over 6,000 titles from 120+ providers, DragonSlots puts in serious work. Pokies make up the bulk (5,000+), and while the game lobby lacks the sheer size of OnLuck, it makes up for it with gamification. Daily missions, quests, and tournaments keep the real money play fresh.
Our team played 100 slots and found enticing themes and rewarding bonus features. However, table and live casino fans might find it a little light on variety compared to other top online casinos.
Bonuses & Promos – 4.9/5
The welcome bonus is available for an affordable minimum deposit of A $ 20, and the volume of FS makes it one of the best deals in the market. The entire package is released in four stages:
● 1st: 225% up to A$2,250 + 200 FS
● 2nd: 200% up to A$1,000 + 150 FS
● 3rd: 200% up to A$1,000 + 150 FS
● 4th: 200% up to A$1,000 + 150 FS
Each bonus is valid for 30 days, more than enough time, and the max bet of A$8 deserves a shoutout. Bonuses are available through the VIP levels, which you can climb by playing games. Each 50 tiers unlocks free spins, cash, and exclusive rewards. The final level comes with a massive A$100,000 prize, paid in real cash, not bonus credit.
Payment Methods, Speed & Limits – 4.9/5
● Fiat: Visa, MasterCard, MiFinity, LuxonPay, Flexepin, CashtoCode and Neosurf
● Crypto: BTC, ETH, USDT, LTC, XRP, DOGE, SOL
We tested MiFinity and Neosurf for deposits, and entrusted withdrawals to MiFinity and USDT. Crypto was instant, and the digital wallet took just under 24 hours, which is pretty impressive. The minimum withdrawal is A$10, and the maximum monthly limit of A$50,000 is to be copied by other Aussie online casinos.
Our Team's Verdict on DragonSlots – 4.9/5
DragonSlots' comprehensive VIP structure and fast cashouts will encourage you to stick around on the platform. If you enjoy long-term rewards, give this one a spin.
>> Play at DragonSlots
3. Neospin – Best AU Online Casino for Daily Cashback Rewards
Pros:
● ✅ Daily cashback up to 20%
● ✅ Welcome bonus up to A$10,000 + 100 FS
● ✅ Maximum monthly withdrawal of A$45,000
● ✅ 500+ live casino games
● ✅ 16-level VIP program and crypto support
Cons:
● ❌ No phone support
● ❌ 3x wagering on all deposits
We tested dozens of Aussie online casinos, and Neospin stood out right away for its cashback offer and player-friendly withdrawal caps. This platform rewards real money play daily, which makes a big difference over time. Compared to other online casinos in Australia, it gives you more room to play, lose, and recover.
Game Library – 4.8/5
With over 6,000 games, including 500+ live dealer titles, Neospin caters to both pokie fans and table game players. We tried 70 titles from Pragmatic Play, Play'n GO, and BGaming, and the quality was consistent across the board. The presence of 70+ providers and the slick mobile interface make this one of the smoother mobile options on the list.
Bonuses & Promos – 4.9/5
We tested each bonus code, and they all worked as expected. The welcome bonus is not holding back and dumps a massive 100% up to A$10,000 and 100 FS on the first deposit, which cannot be lower than A$45.
The 40x wagering requirement is in line with what we expect. However, we were especially excited to see a daily cashback of up to 20% on every deposit. This is a very generous refund, and the same can be said about the ongoing promotions:
● Weekend Reload: 66% up to A$1,000 – Code: 66NEO
● Wednesday Free Spins: Up to 100 FS – Code: WN30
Payment Methods, Speed & Limits – 4.8/5
● Fiat: Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Neosurf, Mifinity
● Cryptos: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Dogecoin, Ripple, USDT, TRON, Binance, Bitcoin Cash
● UTORG options: Skrill, Neteller, Paysafecard
The withdrawal limits are high with a A$6,000 daily cap and a A$45,000 monthly cap. In our tests, crypto payouts were instant, and bank transfers hit within 1–3 days. Compared to other real money online casinos, Neospin performs much better for serious players chasing big cashouts.
Our Team's Verdict on Neospin – 4.8/5
If you want consistent rewards and serious withdrawal muscle, Neospin delivers. It's not perfect, the 3x deposit wagering clause is a small flaw. Yet, we believe it's one of the best online casino sites in Australia for real money right now.
>> Play at Neospin
4. CrownSlots – Best Australian Online Casino for Jackpot Hunters
Pros:
● ✅ 400% welcome bonus up to A$6,000 + 250 FS
● ✅ Exclusive progressive jackpots with no wagering
● ✅ 7-level VIP program with cashback and cash prizes
● ✅ Original in-house casino games
● ✅ Fast crypto and bank withdrawals
Cons:
● ❌ Wagering applies to lottery prizes and cashback
● ❌ No phone support
CrownSlots stood out during our tests with one thing most other online casinos Australia can't offer, and that is a proprietary jackpot network. It's not just another white-label copycat. Whether you're after pokies, instant win games, or rich promotions, this casino gives you something different.
Game Library – 4.8/5
We played over 50 titles from CrownSlots' original collection and found a surprising level of polish. Alongside the 7,000+ pokies and 480 live games from 60+ providers, their proprietary Mini, Middle, and Prime Jackpots, which carry no wagering requirements, are the real draw. That being said, table game wagering is limited (only 5% contribution), so bonus grinders might feel boxed in.
Bonuses & Promos – 4.7/5
We did not hold back in the promo page and claimed the full welcome package and reloads. A VIP program includes up to 10% cashback and cash prizes. However, lottery wins come with a 40x playthrough, which is too much for our taste. You can unlock each of the four welcome bonuses with a minimum deposit of A$30, and the offers include:
● 1st: 100% up to A$1,200 + 100 FS
● 2nd: 100% up to A$1,500
● 3rd: 100% up to A$1,500 + 150 FS
● 4th: 100% up to A$1,800
The bonus terms for the welcome package are acceptable with 40x wagering, 7-day validity, and a max bet of A$7.50. Other promotions awaiting your deposits are:
● Thursday FS Bonus: Up to 110 FS – Code: ROYALFS
● Tuesday Reload: 50% up to A$750 – Code: Tuesday
● Daily 3rd Deposit Bonus: 50% up to A$450 – Code: DAILY
Payment Methods, Speed & Limits – 4.8/5
● Fiat: Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Neosurf, CashtoCode, MiFinity
● Cryptos: BTC, ETH, LTC, USDT, Ripple, Dogecoin
● Other: Skinsback, PSC, SKRL, NTLR via Utorg
We were able to cash out through Mastercard and MiFinity with no hiccups. Deposits start at A$30, while the payout limits are solid, with a sizable A$10,000 daily limit, but the A$30,000 monthly limit can be higher. All of our withdrawal requests were rubber-stamped by CrownSlots in under 48 hours.
Our Team's Verdict on CrownSlots – 4.8/5
CrownSlots is one of our picks for the best Australian online casino because it offers something genuinely different. With exclusive jackpots and original games, it's ideal for players who want more than just another pokie site.
>> Play at CrownSlots
5. Slots Gallery – Top Aussie Site for Cashback & Free Spins
Pros:
● ✅ Up to A$3,000 + 225 FS welcome bonus
● ✅ Weekly cashback up to 10%
● ✅ 7-level VIP program with decreasing wagering requirements
● ✅ Over 7,000 games and 100+ providers
● ✅ PWA support for smooth mobile play
Cons:
● ❌ Max win from free spins capped at A$150
● ❌ Free spin validity is only 5 days
Slots Gallery hits the sweet spot with its steady lineup of promotions if you're a bonus hunter or a player who deposits regularly. We tried every offer in their weekly calendar, and while the caps on free spin winnings could be better, the sheer frequency of rewards makes it a great pick.
Game Library – 4.6/5
Slots Gallery delivers on volume, offering 7,000+ games, including 6,000+ pokies and 30 live dealer options. It's a pokie-first site with titles from providers like Platipus, Wazdan, Yggdrasil, and Fugaso. We played 60 pokies on mobile using their PWA, and can report a smooth performance. That being said, live dealer fans might find the selection a bit limited when compared to other Australian online casino brands in this guide.
Bonuses & Promos – 4.8/5
The welcome bonus might not be the largest on the market, but it will not shortchange you with its terms. You can boost your first three deposits:
● 1st: 100% up to A$750 + 100 FS
● 2nd: 50% up to A$1,500 + 50 FS
● 3rd: 75% up to A$750 + 75 FS
Weekly promotions are where this real money casino online shines. We tested these bonuses across several days. The structure is simple, terms are fair (40x WR), and the variety means you're never stuck waiting for the next offer. Still, the A$150 win cap on free spins is a pretty lousy limit. The offers are:
● Monday Reload: 50% up to A$150
● Wednesday Free Spins: Up to 200 FS
● Weekend Match Bonus: Up to 70%
● Weekly Cashback: 5–10% based on losses, with 30x wagering
Payment Methods, Speed & Limits – 4.5/5
● Fiat: Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Neosurf, JetonBet, CashtoCode, GPay, and MiFinity
● Cryptos: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Dogecoin, Ripple, USDT, Bitcoin Cash
● Other: Paysafe by UTORG, Skrill by UTORG and Neteller by UTORG
Ethereum withdrawals were processed within 24 hours during our tests, while bank transfers took the full 5 days. Compared to any other online casino in Australia for real money, this one offers solid flexibility, but slower fiat payouts may frustrate some players. We would have liked to see a higher monthly payout cap, but the A$22,500 limit is still higher than some other platforms.
Our Team's Verdict on Slots Gallery – 4.6/5
Slots Gallery is all about consistent, no-fuss rewards. It may not blow you away with exclusives, but if cashback, reloads, and frequent free spins are your thing, it gets the job done.
>> Play at Slots Gallery
How We Rate Online Casinos in Australia
We tested dozens of Australian online casinos hands-on, focusing on real money play, fast withdrawals, fair bonus terms, and licensed operations. Only top-performing sites with fair systems and strong reputations earned a place on our list.
Safety, Licensing & Player Protections
Every entry on our best online casinos list is fully licensed, typically by the Curaçao Gaming Control Board. We checked license numbers, verified SSL encryption, and tested responsible gambling tools like deposit limits, loss caps, session controls, and self-exclusion.
Always scroll to the bottom of the homepage and verify the license ID. If you can't click through or find an official listing, it's best to walk away. An operator can join our selection of the best online Australian casinos only if they have a proven track record of player protection and transparent licensing.
Pokies First, But Variety Counts
We preferred casinos that focused heavily on pokies but also considered those that offered robust live dealer lobbies, jackpot games, and even original content. Providers like Yggdrasil, BGaming, and Pragmatic Play were common among our top-rated platforms. The best casino sites in Australia today need more than just a big library; they need quality, variety, and smooth mobile access.
Fast Withdrawals & Good Limits
We believe that fast payouts are non-negotiable. During our testing, we prioritised Aussie online casinos that processed crypto withdrawals within 24 hours and bank transfers in no more than 2–3 days. Long wait times, payment delays, or high minimum withdrawal limits were red flags. Compared to other online casinos, our top picks performed much better in this area.
More Than Just a Big Welcome Bonus
We chose casinos that reward ongoing play, including reload bonuses, daily free spins, cashback, and real tournaments. A good welcome bonus is just the beginning; sustained rewards and smart promo design separate average sites from the best online casinos in Australia.
We carefully read through the bonus T&CS, and rate sites higher when wagering was reasonable (30x–40x), max bets were fair, and free spins didn't come with unrealistic caps. We strongly encourage you to always read the small print.
Mobile Experience Matters
Aussies love gambling on the go, so we tested each site on both Android and iOS. The best casinos ran smoothly through a browser or Progressive Web App (PWA) with full access to games, bonuses, and support. We dropped points from platforms with clunky layouts or missing features on mobile; if it doesn't work well in your hand, it doesn't work for us.
Pros & Cons of Playing at Australian Online Casinos
Online gambling in Australia has evolved into a serious industry with real advantages and some drawbacks. We've tested dozens of platforms, from new casino sites to established names. If you're going to jump into real money online gambling, here's what to expect.
● ✅ Access to Thousands of Pokies and Live Games: Compared to traditional venues, online casinos offer thousands of pokies, exclusive jackpot games, and hundreds of live dealer tables at the click of a button.
● ✅ Generous Bonuses and Ongoing Promotions: We discovered welcome packages that go up to A$27,000, plus weekly cashback, free spins, and reloads. Many sites also offer VIP perks that reward consistent play with real value.
● ✅ Crypto and Instant Withdrawal Options: We were able to cash out via Bitcoin, Ethereum, and more, often in under 24 hours. When compared to old-school bank transfers, instant withdrawal casinos perform much better.
● ⛔ Some Sites Have Restrictive Bonus Terms: Some casinos slap on high wagering, game exclusions, or tight bet caps that sour the experience. We're not fans of hidden conditions.
● ⛔ Unlicensed Sites Still Linger Online: Avoid any platform that isn't fully licensed and transparent. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Stick with vetted options to stay safe.
Payment Methods at the Best Online Casinos Australia
Fast, flexible, and secure payments are a key part of real money online gambling. During our testing, we looked closely at how our top Australian online casino brands handle deposits and withdrawals. Here's what we found across the board.
Card Payments
Card payments such as Visa and Mastercard remain a popular choice for Aussie players, and they're widely accepted across every major casino site. Deposits are instant, but when it comes to withdrawals, delays are common. We're not fans of waiting up to 7 days to access winnings, especially when faster methods exist.
E-Wallets
E-wallets hit the sweet spot between traditional banking and crypto. We tested several wallets like MiFinity and found that withdrawals were often processed within 24 to 48 hours. Nevertheless, some sites have lower deposit limits for wallets, so double-check before you deposit.
Cryptocurrency
When compared to any other method, crypto performs much better. Payouts landed in our test wallets within hours. It's the best option for high-volume or privacy-focused players. Mind you, minimum amounts and fees vary, so always check the fine print.
Prepaid Options
Prepaid vouchers are smooth for topping up your account, but can't be used to cash out. If you prefer anonymity or want to avoid linking your card, they're a solid pick. Keep in mind that you'll need a secondary method for withdrawals at online casino sites in Australia.
Best Bonus Offers at Australian Online Casino Sites
We tested bonus codes, activated promos, and even hit withdrawal limits just to see which sites actually deliver. Our picks for the best real money online casinos in Australia offer a wide range of bonuses, and the staple offers are explained below.
● Welcome Bonuses: These are the headline offers, often worth thousands. We found that the best casino sites in Australia combine match bonuses with free spins. OnLuck and DragonSlots, for example, offer massive packages that knock it out of the park for first-time players.
● Reload Bonuses: Weekly reloads keep things interesting after your initial deposit. These vary in size and structure but are a great way to maintain momentum. We tested them across several sites and found that the best offers were tied to reasonable bet limits.
● Free Spins: We discovered daily and weekly free spins across all five reviewed casinos. Most are linked to pokies, with max win caps and short validity windows.
● Cashback Bonuses: Cashback offers give you a second chance. Cashback feels like a built-in safety net compared to traditional reloads, especially useful during cold streaks.
Wagering Requirements Explained
Wagering requirements tell you how many times you must play through a bonus before cashing out. We believe anything between 30x and 40x is fair. Keep an eye on max bets and excluded games; they can make or break the value of your bonus.
Real Money Online Casino Games Available in Australia
When it comes to real money online gambling in Australia, the best casino sites offer more than just a sea of pokies. We tested thousands of games and discovered that variety, quality, and innovation separate average sites from true contenders. Here's what each major game type brings to the table.
Pokies (Online Slots)
Pokies are the backbone of every Aussie online casino. They're fast, easy to play, and come in countless themes, from classic fruit machines to bonus-packed adventures. Pokies' low entry point and massive potential payouts make them ideal for both beginners and veterans. We played everything from Megaways to progressive slots, and found that the best sites offer demo modes, feature buy-ins, and free spins to keep things interesting.
Live Casino Games
Live casino games bring the real casino floor to your screen. These include blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and game shows, all hosted by professional dealers and streamed in real time. Unlike pokies, these games combine luck with skill. We discovered that top-rated online casino Australia sites like Neospin offer over 500 live tables with betting options that suit low and high rollers.
Jackpot Games
Jackpot games offer life-changing prizes if you're lucky enough to hit them. These pokies pool wagers into a shared prize, which grows until someone lands the win. CrownSlots stood out as an Australian online casino for real money with its exclusive in-house jackpots that come with no wagering requirements, which translates to pure, unrestricted winnings.
Instant and Original Games
Instant games are quick-play options like crash games, scratch cards, and original in-house titles. These are great if you're short on time or want something different from the usual spins and reels. We were able to try different versions at the best Australian online casinos and found them great if you're looking to mix things up.
Responsible Gambling Tools
At the best Australian casino sites , responsible play isn't just encouraged, it's built into the platform. We strongly encourage you to set limits and recognise when it's time to take a break. The moment you stop enjoying yourself is the moment you should reassess.
● Set Deposit and Loss Limits: Before you start spinning the reels or hitting the tables, set a firm deposit and loss cap. Many top sites allow you to lock these in.
● Take Breaks and Use Cooling-Off Tools: Every casino we recommend includes a cooldown option. Stepping away can help you regain control and focus.
● Monitor Your Playtime: Keep track of how long you're playing. If hours go by unnoticed, that's a red flag. Most platforms let you review session history and set time reminders — use them.
● Never Chase Losses: Losing streaks happen, don't throw good money after bad. Chasing losses almost always leads to bigger problems.
● Self-Exclude if Needed: If gambling starts to feel overwhelming, use the self-exclusion tool. Every legit site we tested offered this option. It's a responsible, powerful way to hit reset.
Final Thoughts About Australian Online Casino Sites
Finding a solid, trustworthy casino site in Australia can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. We did the hard work, tested everything ourselves, and separated the all-talk platforms from the ones that actually deliver.
After testing 300+ sites, OnLuck edged out the competition, thanks to its massive game library, lightning-fast withdrawals, and high-roller-friendly bonuses. That being said, every casino on our list offers something unique, from VIP rewards to exclusive jackpots.
At the end of the day, online gambling should be stress-free and fun. We strongly encourage you to gamble responsibly and stick with licensed casinos. With this in mind, it's clear that choosing the right platform is the first win.
18+ Only. Gambling is risky. Bet at your own risk and never spend money that you can't afford to lose. The guide on this site is informative and intended to present you with up-to-date information about the online casino landscape in Australia.
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You have to deep-dive into things and do a lot of research. The main difference, of course, is that in consulting, I was helping brands, and now I'm often going against brands. It's the opposite! In fact, some of the companies I've sort of exposed, or whatever word you want to use, were clients of my earlier companies. So, it's like being on the other side of the table now. The research skills and a lot of that are similar. I look at a video almost like a PowerPoint presentation – you have photos coming up and you're speaking. Essentially, that's similar to consulting; you make PowerPoints every day in consulting. In that sense, you're trying to simplify things as much as possible. In consulting, they have something called "answer first," meaning your answer should come in the first 5 to 10 seconds, or you'll lose the person's interest. In a video, you have to do something similar. You can't be like, "Okay, at the end of the entire video, I'm going to give you the answer". I mean, you can do that, but then people lose trust and they won't watch the entire thing. So, honestly, there are a lot of similarities. What prompted a very successful consultant to kind of throw caution to the wind and decide to take on so many corporations, almost at the same time? People expect a very interesting story and some emotional thing, but it was a bunch of small things that happened, not like any one incident per se. For example, I was in the US for 13 years – a long time – and every time I went to the grocery store, I was almost mind-blown at how much fake marketing was going on there. All companies claiming to be "high protein" but only having two grams of protein, and things like that. I used to be very amazed and I wanted to do something about it. In India, there's even more miscommunication. In India, people didn't read labels at all. I was like, "I need to come back to India maybe and try to focus on health literacy". So, I always say this: Indians are educated, but not 'health literate'. Even in the fanciest colleges I've spoken at, people often wouldn't know basic things about calories, fiber, sweeteners and colors. They have no idea what they're putting into their body. Even health-conscious people – if you go to the gym and pick any random person and ask them, "Are you confident that the protein shake you're having, or the biscuit you're having is actually good for you?" they won't be able to confidently reply. So, there's a lot of lack of education in the health space. That is what led me to do this. Of course, I didn't envision it happening in the exact way it did. I was thinking more along the lines of starting an app where you could scan the barcode of a packaged food, and it would give you a health rating. Then, people would just download an app and know what to eat. That was more similar to my consulting background, more startup-ish. This entire video, and this video getting viral and blowing up, was obviously a bit of an accident as well. You cannot predict this. You cannot predict going viral the fourth time, fifth time. So, a lot of it was an accident, but the intention was to try to spread health literacy. How many reels did it take you before you hit the 'viral jackpot'? It's very interesting and sort of unbelievable, but my first ever reel as FoodPharmer is my most famous and most viral reel. However, I've been making videos as an individual for seven, eight years, not as frequently as I do now, but at that time, it used to be once a month, once every two months, or once every three or four weeks. Now, I post about two videos a week. But it's like a one-minute video. People who post one-minute videos usually try to post almost every day. And the people who post long-form videos, the 15-20 minute videos, they may do once a week. But for someone who makes only a two-minute video, it's not that regular. You have still arrived as a prolific content creator, if one could call you that…. I want to clarify: I know the word content creator and influencer and some other words like that have unfortunately got stuck with me. I am essentially raising awareness. I even wrote a book 11 years ago, where I was educating people on labels. When you raise awareness using any particular platform, you get labeled with that platform. So, if you raise awareness with a book, you become an author. When you raise awareness online, you become a content creator. I don't personally see myself as a content creator in that traditional form. I'm using a medium of communication which is widely used to spread awareness, and that happens to be online (social media) because that is where most people currently are. That label of content creator and influencer often puts me in a very different bucket from what I would like to try to do. Given a choice, what would you label yourself as? I would say there's no clear answer, but a change-maker is a safe word, I would say. Yeah, so I would say something like that—anyone who's just trying to create awareness. That's pretty much it. Of course, because my videos have gotten a bigger response than my book, I'm called a content creator, not an author. So it's fine, whatever medium of communication works. And in the social media space, which medium actually resonated the best for you? The one which works best for me so far is Instagram . Is that necessarily where you first upload your content? Maybe not, because now Instagram has my biggest audience. So, sometimes I like to test my video on a smaller platform to see if there is hypothetically, potentially, any possible mistake or anything. Then I get a response on some smaller platform, and then I'll correct the mistakes and then I'll upload it on Instagram. But yeah, Instagram is my number one platform. What differentiates me from some other people in this space is that I often make my videos with the purpose of reaching a non health-conscious person. There are doctors and health experts and various people online who are targeting the top 1-5 per cent in their videos – either the people who are going to the gym or people who at least at some point even once contemplated going to the gym. I am making videos for people who are not at all health conscious, but I'm trying to get them to become health conscious, which is why Instagram works, because Instagram is not where you click, it just shows up. It's not an intention-based platform. On YouTube, you click. So, for someone who's clicking a video, it means they're health conscious, they care about that, that's why they're clicking. I am trying to focus on children. Many of my videos are about the "sugar board" movement and all are popular amongst children. So they don't want to watch a video on health. So I'm fighting against the algorithm in some ways, but it helps because you reach a much wider audience. So that's how it's worked for Instagram; it has worked well for me. Although, of course, I would like to grow on YouTube because I think YouTube is a much more serious audience, and you can make longer videos, long form, right? Instagram sometimes unfortunately does not allow the nuance in a one-minute video. Since, you mentioned that the word "change-maker" is what you would love to be known as, and usually change-makers come with some idol in their life. Do you have any such idols? Not any one idol. Genuinely, I feel like no one should have one person who they are obsessed with, because then it just becomes an obsession, and you become a fanatic. So there's no one person. I would say there are qualities of various individuals that I like. In current times, I like Yuval Noah Harari, the Israeli intellectual and author. I like Peter Singer (Australian philosopher). And then there are a few other people, even 10 years ago, like Rajiv Dixit (the evangelist of Ayurveda for rural and urban Indians). I may not agree with every single thing Dixit said, but the aggressiveness with the way you should not worry about names – like, you should name brands openly – that part, you can say, is inspired by him. So, there are certain things where I've been inspired by, but it's not that I am following one particular person's path or anything like that. I may disagree with the same people who I also like, in many ways. Was creating a brand that would be healthy always a part of the plan, or did it just happen? You cannot predict what happens. When I left the US, I was making a lot of money, and I left everything, came here and started making videos. There were cases happening against me, and a lot of the chatter that was all over Google, sort of, "this guy will never ever get a job again". You Google my name and it was negative things and things like that. So, the point is that I just kept following a particular path of showcasing the truth. And there's a very, very strong community I've built of more than 50 lakh people. And people would often give me feedback that, 'You never tell us what is good. And there's a lot of mistrust in the protein space, that people are like, 'Protein is steroids'. So, we would want you to highlight what's good, because you represent trust. So, if you do something like this, it could be pretty cool'. Does listening to the community always lead to the right decision? And I'll tell you one thing: I make some erratic decisions based on public votes. So, for example, I don't do any paid food brand deals. So, I put out a post to my audience on Instagram stories, and I asked people what should I do next, and I gave various options, and options were also based on what people had suggested to me earlier. One of which was clean food alternatives. Another was, "Should I start a health education company? Sort of doing online health courses?" And there are again, there are many people in the finance space who do finance courses and they are making insane money. So there were a lot of people like that who told me that I should do something like that. There were four or five options I gave to the public. However, 72 per cent of people voted that I should start healthier alternatives, try to create healthier alternatives, which is what led me to this path, and that's how it happened. And then I did a voting on what space should I start in, and they were like, "Protein is what we're deficient in." How long did the elections happen? Within protein, I did another vote, which is proteinated or whey protein: then isolate or concentrate. People voted for concentrate. So, like that, we did voting on every small aspect, and that's how we got to the answer. Elections are ongoing in the sense that, for example, what is the next flavor? Like, we launched only one product and one size – cocoa only. And now the election is, what should we make next? Should it be coffee or mango or something? And what is the category we should also do next? Should we do biscuits or should we do vitamins or plant protein, or what should we do next? So, my point is it's an ongoing thing. And with even the smallest, "What should the color of our package be?" – we've taken voting on various things. So, it's an ongoing process. And one more thing, of course, I also tell the people that "These are the pros and these are the cons." So, it's not that people can vote for something like, for example, one very interesting example is... or two examples, like I did whey protein concentrate voting. Now, Isolate is technically better, but people still voted for 'concentrate' because it's more affordable. I told them that you can vote for isolate if you want, but just remember, when I launch it, then you have to pay a higher price as well. So people were sensible enough to not vote for isolate. So I try to give the pros and cons. Three-four months ago, when we were deciding a name. I put out a poll that I really like the word "Take Charge". I thought that should be the name, because throughout my journey I've been taking charge of the public's health and taking charge of the situation and things like that. So "Take Charge" is a great name. It got very average votes. Everyone was like, "Take Charge sounds like an energy drink." Then someone suggested "Only What's Needed," and then that got significantly better votes, and that's how we came up with Only What's Needed. When you conduct business in full public view, don't you end up tipping off your competition? Honestly, I think India is too big to worry about competition. It has so many people, and so many diverse preferences and tastes. I don't think you can copy this. And yes, you can maybe even launch the same four ingredients the public voted for, but that entire story line that you built with the public, that will not be there. You also will not have the advantage of the 50 lakh followers. So it will be hard to replicate the honesty and the intention and all of that. I don't think they'll be able to get the public's confidence in the same way. And it's not just the ingredients, it's more than just selecting the right ingredients. It's the entire way you communicate. So, my goal has been to try to create the world's most transparent label, not India's most transparent label – the world's most transparent label. I have reviewed thousands of labels in my life. So I did a lot of surveys, asked people about what the problems are, and they gave me a lot of suggestions on how we should design it. Probably, we are the first company to put a nutrition label in the front of a pack. This is our logo, and even bigger than the logo is the nutrition facts. Usually, people put the logo in big letters here. So we have the nutrition facts here. The ingredient list is also in the front in the pie chart. So you can very clearly see how many ingredients, which ingredients we are, and in a bigger font. And only 10 to 15 per cent of India knows how to read English. This is a crazy stat. So we have a QR code scanning here, where you can scan this, and you'll get the entire nutrition label in all major languages of India. But we'll keep increasing it. Also, for the people who are visually impaired, with every pack we are giving a nutrition label in Braille. We started the "sugar board" movement quite some time ago, and it's become massive. CBSE, ICSE have all mandated it. So, with every order, we are also giving a sugar board magnet, a fridge magnet to put in your fridge. So there are many things which are first. And another thing is that most companies test their protein powders one to two times in a year. And once, suppose, because once you get a positive test, you can now use that positive test for the rest of the year. Even though every batch is different, once you get, "okay, there's enough protein," then every batch you are just using the same lab report. We test every single batch, not once a year, not twice a year. Every single batch is tested across these seven categories: protein, heavy metal, pesticides, and other seven things. And if even one of the seven tests fail, we'll reject the entire batch. So the point is to try to create a benchmark in transparency testing. And there is no company, as far as I know, one which is putting the nutrition label in the front, putting the exact ingredient percentage – 97.2%, 92.5% exact. This is not legally required; FSSAI is not saying you need to give this. And no one, as far as I know, is giving it in Braille. And the beauty of this is that it's been designed essentially by the public. Like, they have put in their comments, they've seen, "We want ingredients in the front, we want this font size," and things like that. This is the first draft. So, of course, we'll keep adding things. For example, we launched only one, only cocoa. People expected when I launched that I'll have seven flavors – vanilla, cocoa, strawberry. No, it's just not possible for me to launch and do so many things all at once. And that's why we also launch only on our website – no Amazon, no Flipkart, no BigCommerce. It's not that easy operationally. As activist influencers, it is often very easy to get used by rivals. People always want to shoot from somebody else's shoulder. So how do you then insure yourself against that kind of a possibility? You're very right. People want to do that a lot. I have made a public thing: at least as of now, I won't do paid food brand deals. That reduces some scope, and that is 95% of the deals which I get. I have already killed 95% of my income in some ways through this. So I have made that announcement, which helps. Now there have been some cases where people have approached me saying, "I'll give you XYZ amount of money and you criticise some other company." So, of course, I have not done any of that, but that is, of course, one of the problems with this: once you raise voices, people think your voice has a price to it. So, yeah, that was basically the thing. Of course, review... and I'll tell you an interesting incident: once, a particular company had approached me, and I told them... they gave me a thing, "Say that our product is not harmful because we've gotten into some controversy recently." I said I'm not going to do all this, and I won't make any video. Very interestingly, two days later, I saw someone else who's influential on Instagram make a very similar video as to what they proposed to me. And this person is very well-respected and very considered to be scientific and nuanced and fact-checker and whatever else. So it was just very disheartening to see that. When you were putting your own product out, you know that you have made too many enemies and maybe those 50 lakh anonymous friends or followers. Wouldn't the ones who crossed swords with you, go all out to get you? That's a very good way to put it: 50 lakh anonymous friends and probably 100 very public enemies. Yes. It's very difficult. I do massive fact-checking, massive... especially when you design a pack. I have exposed hundreds of labels. If there's any mistake in my own label, what will happen? So it's a very risky proposition. Now, we did a lot of everything. For example, we have the word "sunflower lecithin" on our ingredient list, calling it "emulsifier." The public does not like the word "emulsifier." Even though there's nothing wrong with it scientifically, most other brands, they're not using the word "emulsifier," because once people read "emulsifier," they don't want to buy the product. We are calling it "emulsifier." So, with everything, we are like, there's no point we can escape from it. Another thing, the smallest of things, basically, we are trying our best to be as actually correct and are trying to be as transparent and doing it with full positive intention. So I am just hoping that that positive intention comes through. Of course, I know that there will be times where people will try to poke holes and try to bring me down and things like that. Earlier, my Twitter account had got hacked, and I had lost all my followers. The palm oil board has been running ads against me. So I know that there are people who may make videos against me, and I've seen recently, especially, there have been some people who've been making videos against me. So I understand some of that will happen. Who knows, there can even be adulteration in my own packet. Someone may put in something, and the blame will come to me, not to them. Of course, there is that fear that what if someone does something shady and the blame comes on me? But we are working with a lot of positive intention. You mentioned that almost 95 percent of the endorsement deals that come your way are from food brands, which you are not comfortable with. But the other five percent are from categories that may have little to do with the cause that you represent as a Foodpharmer. How do you then bring in an authentic connect with your audience? When I launched ' Label Padhega India ' (India will read product labels) one year ago, it was supposed to be a food label movement. But the trust deficit is not only in food, but in so many more things. So people were like I'm now going to start reading labels of toothpastes, perfumes, detergents, and the categories just increased. And it's very shocking, but even things like health insurance, they were like, I'm going to read the terms and conditions. It's sort of like a label, 'I'm going to go into the fine details' and they were like, and I started a mini movement called 'terms and conditions India'. Now people want me to reveal scams in not only food. So I have now become a trustpharmer rather than just a foodpharmer. I'm thinking of a second channel as lifepharmer, where the content is about everything and it's no longer about just food.
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Time of India
Andrew Tulloch education qualifications: The Sydney University medalist and Cambridge topper who said no to Meta's $1.5 billion offer
In Silicon Valley, few stories spread faster than one involving a billionaire's offer, and someone bold enough to refuse it. That's exactly what happened when Andrew Tulloch, a low-key but highly respected Australian computer scientist, turned down a job offer from Mark Zuckerberg 's Meta, an offer reportedly worth up to $1.5 billion over six years, according to the Wall Street Journal . But Tulloch's decision didn't come out of nowhere. It was backed by a career built on intellectual rigor, world-class research, and an academic journey that reads like a roadmap to AI excellence. From earning Australia's top school scores to topping exams at Cambridge, Tulloch's story is one of sustained brilliance and meaningful choices. The Perth Prodigy Tulloch's academic journey began at Christ Church Grammar School in Claremont, Western Australia. Even in school, he stood out not just as a scholar, but as a leader and all-rounder. He graduated with a TER (Tertiary Entrance Rank) of 99.95, the highest possible in the state, placing him in the top percentile of Australian students. He wasn't just a high scorer on paper. Tulloch served as school vice-captain, led his teams as captain of debating and mock trials, and was a member of the 1st XI cricket and hockey teams. It was clear early on: this was a student with both academic firepower and leadership flair. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Learn 57+ Languages Easily with AI [Join] Talkpal AI Undo Academic brilliance at University of Sydney In 2007, Tulloch enrolled in the Bachelor of Science (Advanced Mathematics) program at the University of Sydney, where he focused on mathematics and statistics—disciplines that would later power breakthroughs in AI. He didn't just graduate with First Class Honours, but he was also awarded the University Medal, the highest academic distinction given to the top-performing honours student in the Faculty of Science. Tulloch also received the Science Achievement Prize for having the highest GPA across the entire faculty. At this stage, Tulloch had already marked himself as one of the top young minds in Australia. Mastering math at Cambridge Driven by a thirst for deeper theoretical knowledge, Tulloch crossed the globe to study at the University of Cambridge, enrolling in the elite Part III of the Mathematical Tripos, widely regarded as one of the most challenging postgraduate math programs in the world. At Trinity College, Tulloch pursued a Master of Mathematical Statistics, specialising in statistics and machine learning. Once again, he rose to the top. Graduating with Distinction, Tulloch earned a prize from Trinity College for achieving the highest grade in his cohort. T his combination of raw intellect, mathematical precision, and international training became the foundation of his future impact in AI. Beyond academia: From Goldman Sachs to OpenAI Tulloch's professional journey mirrored his academic one: disciplined, ambitious, and focused. After a brief stint as a strategist at Goldman Sachs, where he applied quantitative modelling to financial markets, he joined Meta (then Facebook) in 2012. There, over more than a decade, Tulloch helped build the AI infrastructure that powers Meta's platforms including major contributions to PyTorch, now one of the world's most widely used machine learning frameworks. In 2023, Tulloch joined OpenAI, where he worked on GPT‑4, GPT‑4o, and other advanced reasoning systems. Just over a year later, in 2025, he co-founded Thinking Machines Lab with former OpenAI CTO Mira Murati: a startup aiming to build transparent, customisable, and safe AI at scale. When $1.5 billion isn't enough It was shortly after launching Thinking Machines Lab that Meta came knocking again—this time with an aggressive push to recruit Tulloch and his team. According to WSJ , Tulloch was offered a compensation package worth up to $1.5 billion over six years. That figure included stock options, bonuses, and long-term incentives. But Tulloch said no. In fact, not a single member of his team defected to Meta. Why? For Tulloch, it was never just about money. The opportunity to build something meaningful, aligned with his vision of responsible AI, mattered more than a billion-dollar payout. Lessons from a billion-dollar rejection Andrew Tulloch's academic path, from a perfect TER score to topping Cambridge's toughest math program, is not just a story of rare intelligence. It's a story of discipline, curiosity, and long-term thinking. In a tech landscape often obsessed with shortcuts, Tulloch's journey proves that a solid educational foundation still matters, perhaps more than ever. He reminds us that it's not always the biggest offer that shapes your future, but the biggest purpose. TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here . Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
