ACMA's Relentless Crackdown on Shady Betting Sites in Australia
Regulatory body prevents access to additional illicit gambling platforms
The feisty Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has been steps ahead in its no-nonsense approach to outlaw online gambling platforms that are less than kosher.
This latest move comes after they've fingered Crown Slots and Billy Billion for breaking the rules of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. ISPs have been asked to block these dodgy sites, as web blocking is one of the tricks ACMA uses to keep consumers protected from the clutches of unlicensed gambling services.
Since November 2019, a whopping 1,178 illegal gambling sites and affiliates have been given the boot. Thicker regulations since 2017 led around 220 operators to pack their bags and vacate Australia. The ACMA stresses that these unlicensed shindigs pose threats to users, with their potential to drain wallets with little to no refund in sight.
The ACMA maintains a roster of legit wagering services, so you can see if the operator you're dealing with has been given the green light to provide gambling services in Australia. They also offer useful resources to help you spot illicit gambling platforms and lodge complaints against the ones you suspect could be illegal.
This go-getter attitude follows ACMA's probe into Network Ten (Sydney) for broadcasting betting ads during the 2024 Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix, which was a clear violation of the Australian Commercial TV Code of Practice.
Fresh Insights
- Hefty Warnings: Operators like Sterplay Holding have received formal warnings from ACMA for breaching the Interactive Gambling Act 2001, specifically for offering unlicensed services to Aussie customers.
- Block Party: Besides Crown Slots and Billy Billion, several other sites like Megabet Prize, Mega Medusa, and TF2Royal have been blocked by ISPs based on ACMA's orders.
- Intensified Enforcement: ACMA has raised the stakes in the first quarter of 2025, completing 22 investigations, identifying breaches in every case, and referring numerous websites for ISP blocking, as well as issuing several formal warnings.
Surfing Safe: Spotting Legal Gambling Platforms in Australia
- License Check: Make sure your operator is legit and licensed by a recognized Aussie authority. They should abide by the regulations prescribed by the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
- State and Territory Authorities: Consult state or territory gambling authorities (e.g., NSW Liquor and Gaming, Victorian Commission for Gaming and Liquor Regulation) for a catalog of licensed operators.
- ACMA Site: You can also find helpful info on ACMA's website about illegal gambling services, as well as warnings about suspicious operators.
- Beware the Con: Always double-check the protections offered by your licensed operator, as they are obligated to comply with specific safeguards under Australian law.
Extra Tips
- NSER Compliance: Before you wager, confirm that the operator is compliant with the National Self-Exclusion Register (NSER).
- Whistleblow Those Sketchy Operators: If you suspect any operator is up to no good, give ACMA a heads-up by submitting a report through their website.
- The ACMA's latest warnings to operators like Sterplay Holding highlights their commitment to enforcing the Interactive Gambling Act 2001, particularly against those offering unlicensed services to Australians.
- In addition to Crown Slots and Billy Billion, sites such as Megabet Prize, Mega Medusa, and TF2Royal have been blocked following ACMA's orders to ISPs, a move aimed at protecting consumers from illegal gambling services.
- The ACMA has intensified its enforcement efforts in the first quarter of 2025, completing multiple investigations, identifying breaches in every case, and referring numerous websites for ISP blocking, as well as issuing formal warnings.
- To ensure a safe and legal gambling experience in Australia, it's crucial to check for a valid license from recognized Australian authorities, consult state or territory gambling authorities for a list of licensed operators, and verify the operator's compliance with the National Self-Exclusion Register (NSER). If you suspect any operator of illegal activities, report them to the ACMA through their website.
