ACMA Expands Crackdown with Five More Illegal Gambling Sites Blocked

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has expanded its efforts to restrict illegal gambling by directing internet service providers to block five additional websites found to be operating unlawfully. The move adds to a long-running enforcement campaign designed to protect Australian consumers from unlicensed operators.

Following investigations under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001, ACMA confirmed that Slot Lounge, Betzillo, FastSpin99, , and PokiesPros were offering gambling services without proper authorisation. These platforms have now been added to the country’s growing blacklist of illegal sites.

Blocking access is one of ACMA’s most visible enforcement tools. Since issuing its first request in November 2019, the agency has ordered the blocking of 1,322 illegal gambling and affiliate websites. In addition, more than 220 offshore operators have voluntarily withdrawn from the Australian market since tougher enforcement measures were introduced in 2017.

While many unlicensed websites appear legitimate, ACMA stressed that they typically lack critical safeguards. These include customer fund protection, dispute resolution systems, and responsible gambling tools. As a result, Australians who use such services may have little recourse if winnings are withheld or deposits are lost.

The agency reiterated its warning: “Even if a service looks legitimate, it’s unlikely to have important customer protections. This means Australians who use illegal gambling services risk losing their money.”

To help consumers make informed choices, ACMA maintains a public register of licensed wagering providers. The register is available on the authority’s official website and allows players to check whether a service is authorised to operate in Australia. The site also provides educational resources on safe gambling practices and instructions for filing complaints about illegal operators.

The latest action underscores ACMA’s continued commitment to tightening control over the digital gambling market. The regulator has steadily ramped up enforcement since 2017, when it gained new powers to target offshore services. Website blocking remains a key strategy, but ACMA also works closely with law enforcement agencies and financial institutions to curb unlawful gambling activities.

The authority encourages the public to remain vigilant. By steering clear of unlicensed platforms and relying on registered providers, Australians can reduce their exposure to scams and unsafe gambling environments.

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The removal of more than 1,300 illegal sites over the past six years highlights the scale of  attempting to reach Australian players. While the market continues to attract international interest, the enforcement drive is reshaping the landscape by making it harder for unauthorised platforms to gain a foothold.

For consumers, the message is clear: using unlicensed sites comes with heightened risks, including loss of funds and lack of legal protections. For operators, the growing number of blocks signals that Australia is determined to maintain strict oversight of its online gambling sector.

With this latest round of blocking orders, ACMA has reinforced its role as the central watchdog in the fight against illegal gambling, demonstrating a long-term strategy of deterrence and consumer protection.

Source:

, acma.gov.au, September 17, 2025.