Australia blacklists 9 illegal gambling sites
Table of contents
- The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) orders ISPs to block nine more illegal gambling and affiliate websites.
- Since 2019, ACMA has blocked a total of 1,369 unlicensed gambling and affiliate sites targeting Australians.
- ACMA urges players to verify licenses and warns about the risks of using unregulated offshore platforms.
Australia’s communications regulator, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), has instructed internet service providers (ISPs) to block nine additional illegal online gambling and affiliate websites as part of an ongoing campaign to enforce the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
The moves, announced in November 2025, come after investigations confirmed these sites were unlawfully offering gambling services to Australian customers.
The newly blocked sites include Cashed, King Maker, Posido, Spinight, Spinsy, The Pokies Reviews, Topio Networks, and two imitation platforms, next2go-au.com and wizbet.app, which impersonated licensed Australian operators Next2Go and WizBet.
Escalating pressure
This enforcement is part of a sustained crackdown that began in 2019 when ACMA first requested ISPs block illegal gambling websites. Since then, the regulator has blocked 1,369 sites and seen approximately 220 offshore gambling services voluntarily exit the Australian market following increased regulatory scrutiny.
ACMA’s latest quarterly compliance report covering July to September 2025 revealed that the regulator handled 411 enquiries and complaints related to online gambling, with 29 investigations completed into 30 websites. ACMA found 44 breaches, including offering prohibited interactive gambling services or unlicensed regulated gambling, indicating persistent non-compliance among offshore operators.
Consumer protection and warnings
ACMA emphasises that unlicensed gambling sites offer no consumer protections, exposing players to risks such as withholding winnings or fraudulent behaviour. The authority urges Australians to verify the licensing status of online gambling platforms through its public register.
The regulator also extends warnings to social media influencers promoting illegal gambling services, with significant penalties including fines up to AU$2.5 million for businesses and AU$59,400 for individuals for non-compliance.
What’s next
The regulator’s approach combines investigations, warnings, and site blocking to disrupt illegal operators before they gain substantial presence in the Australian market. ACMA continues to encourage public reporting of suspicious sites and signals the ongoing expansion of enforcement action.
As the crackdown broadens, operators and affiliates must ensure full compliance with Australian licence requirements to avoid removal and penalties. For players, sticking to licensed and regulated platforms remains critical for protection against unregulated and high-risk gambling services.
Sources: ACMA press release
About the author
Bianca Máthe
Bianca Mathe joined the iGaming industry in 2018 and has since built extensive experience across multiple verticals, working with international gaming organizations on editorial, marketing, and media strategy. She brings a strong understanding of the regulatory, commercial, and technological forces shaping the global iGaming sector.
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