ACMA Adds More Illegal Gambling Sites to National Block List

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has intensified its campaign against illegal gambling operations by directing internet service providers (ISPs) to block access to additional offshore websites. The most recent enforcement action includes the restriction of Crown Slots and Billy Billion, two platforms found to violate the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.

Following investigations that confirmed the non-compliance of these sites, ACMA moved swiftly to include them in its growing list of banned domains. The total number of blocked gambling and affiliate websites now stands at 1,178 since the regulator issued its first website-blocking request in November 2019.

Website blocking remains a central part of ACMA’s broader enforcement strategy, designed to safeguard Australian consumers from unlicensed operators that often operate without oversight or player protections. These protections typically include secure payments, dispute resolution, and responsible gambling tools — features that illegal platforms routinely lack.

In addition to blocking access, ACMA’s regulatory efforts have contributed to an estimated 220 unlicensed gambling services exiting the Australian market since 2017, when stricter enforcement measures were first implemented. These changes have significantly reduced the visibility and accessibility of unlawful operators targeting Australians.

Despite appearances, many illegal gambling platforms pose serious risks to players. The ACMA continues to warn consumers that websites may seem legitimate on the surface but fail to meet licensing requirements, leaving users vulnerable to financial loss with little or no recourse.

“Even if a service looks legitimate, it’s unlikely to have important customer protections,” ACMA has stated, urging Australians to verify operators through its official register of licensed wagering services. This public register allows users to confirm whether a provider is authorized to legally offer gambling services in Australia.

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To further support consumers, the ACMA website offers detailed information about how to identify illegal gambling sites and submit complaints. It also provides educational resources to help users better understand the risks of engaging with unlicensed operators.

This latest action follows other recent enforcement moves, such as the blocking of eight websites last month — including JokaRoom, AUDPokies888, and Wild Pokies — as well as a separate investigation into Network Ten. The broadcaster was found to have violated advertising regulations by airing gambling ads during the 2024 Australia Formula 1 Grand Prix, in breach of the Australian Commercial Television Industry Code of Practice.

As regulatory oversight continues to evolve, ACMA remains committed to reducing the harms associated with illegal online gambling and maintaining the integrity of Australia’s digital wagering environment.

Source:

More illegal online gambling websites blocked, acma.gov.au, March 18, 2025.