Since more violations of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 have been found, the ACMA has directed Australian ISPs to prohibit access to these platforms for Australian residents after discovering through research that certain websites have been unlawfully providing online betting services.
Among the most recent websites to be blacklisted are:
- Lucky Mate
- Vegastars
- Wombet
- Cosmobet
- Fortune Play
- Fortunica
- Rolletto
- Velobet
One strategy being used to discourage Australians from engaging in illicit online gambling is the blocking of gambling websites. Since the new restrictions were implemented in 2017, more than 220 illegal operators have left the Australian market, and 1518 gambling and affiliate websites have been blacklisted since the ACMA's initial call in November 2019.
Australia’s enforcement-led approach contrasts with developments elsewhere in the region. While the ACMA continues blocking unauthorized gambling websites, New Zealand’s new iGaming licensing framework will establish a limited regulated market with up to 15 online casino licenses, expected to become fully operational in 2027. Both approaches reflect stronger regional controls over offshore operators, although they use different regulatory models.
In its most recent report, the ACMA has clarified that certain gambling services that were supposed to appear to be quite legitimate are actually severely deficient in the essential safeguards for consumers. The licensing of a wagering service in Australia may be checked on the official registry, and Australians who gamble on illegal websites run the danger of losing their money.
Additional information about online gambling, including as how to report a suspicious site and safeguard oneself against being conned by illicit operators, can be found on the ACMA website.
