The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has ramped up its efforts to tackle illegal gambling by directing internet service providers (ISPs) to block 12 more unlicensed gambling and affiliate marketing websites. This action falls under an ongoing initiative aimed at enforcing the Interactive Gambling Act 2001, following revelations that these sites were operating unlawfully.
The sites being blocked include 7Signs, ChromaBet, Donbet, Duospin, Freshbet, Slots Gem, Jacks Club, Lucky Start, Pointsbetz.com, Spinrise, Vinyl Casino, and Wildsino. Of particular concern is Pointsbetz.com, which has been reported for mimicking the brand of the legal PointsBet service. This technique is one commonly employed by illegal operators to mislead consumers by making their platforms appear similar to those that are licensed, thereby gaining trust.
Since November 2019, ACMA has blocked a total of 1,751 illegal gambling and affiliate marketing websites. Additionally, over 230 unlicensed gambling services have exited the Australian market since the initiation of enforcement measures in 2017. Earlier this year, the authority also ordered ISPs to block eight illegal gambling websites—including Lucky Mate, Vegastars, Wombet, Cosmobet, Fortune Play, Fortunica, Rolletto, and Velobet—raising the number of blocked sites to 1,518 at that time.
The regulator has emphasized that while illegal gambling sites may seem legitimate, they often lack critical consumer protections. This shortfall can put bettors at risk of financial losses and vulnerability amid disputes.
Despite these blocking initiatives, their effectiveness is limited. Blocked sites can easily resurface under new domains, and illegal operators have become increasingly adept at reaching Australian consumers through social media, affiliate marketing, and streaming platforms like Kick and TikTok. These channels allow casino-branded influencers to share content at minimal cost and largely beyond the oversight of any single regulator.
According to a 2025 report by H2 Gambling Capital, commissioned by Responsible Wagering Australia, Australians are estimated to lose about AU$3.9 billion (around $2.7 billion) each year to illegal sites. Channelisation rates have decreased from 74% in 2021 to 64% currently.
Adding to the enforcement challenges, Australia's planned advertising restrictions, announced by the Albanese government for April 2026, will impose caps, bans, and limitations on gambling advertising across television, radio, and online platforms starting in January 2027. This could further weaken one of the few remaining advantages that licensed operators maintain over illegal offshore competitors. Consequently, compliance teams, payment service providers, and media partners are under increased pressure to carefully monitor their associations and promotions in connection with offshore gambling offers.
