ACMA Blocks 19 Illegal Gambling Sites in Australia
Australia’s enforcement campaign against unlicensed online gambling operators has intensified again after the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) requested internet service providers to block 19 additional gambling and affiliate websites operating in breach of the country’s Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
The latest action highlights Australia’s continued use of digital enforcement tools to restrict offshore operators targeting local consumers without regulatory approval.
Newly Blocked Websites
List of blocked platforms
The websites included in the latest blocking round are:
Bass Bet, BetWhale, CasinOK, Cleobetra, Diva Spin, FatPirate, Free Spinz, Gransino, JackBit, Legiano, Mafia Casino, Magius, Monster Win, NewLucky, Nonbetstop.com, Slotexo, Talismania, Tiki Casino and Vegas Hero.
Total Blocked Sites Reaches 1,640
Enforcement scale and progress
According to ACMA, a total of 1,640 illegal gambling and affiliate websites have now been blocked since the regulator first introduced website blocking requests in November 2019.
The latest figure follows earlier enforcement milestones, including ACMA previously surpassing 1,500 blocked illegal gambling websites.
The regulator also confirmed that more than 230 illegal gambling services have exited the Australian market since stronger enforcement measures were introduced in 2017.
That trend suggests the blocking strategy is having a measurable impact, particularly when combined with broader compliance pressure on offshore brands.
Why This Matters for Operators
Impact on regulated competition
For licensed operators, continued action against illegal competitors can help create a more balanced market environment.
Unlicensed gambling platforms often avoid taxation, licensing costs, safer gambling obligations and local compliance rules. This can allow them to offer more aggressive promotions and acquisition strategies than fully regulated businesses.
By limiting access to those sites, authorities may improve channelisation toward approved operators that meet domestic standards.
Consumers can also use ACMA’s online tool to check if a gambling operator is legal before engaging with a platform.
Growing Pressure on Affiliates
Affiliate compliance risks
The latest blocking action also included affiliate-related websites, underlining that regulators are increasingly scrutinising the wider acquisition ecosystem, not only operators themselves.
For affiliate businesses, the message is clear: promoting unlicensed gambling brands in regulated markets carries rising regulatory and commercial risk.
Consumer Protection Remains Central
Risks from illegal platforms
ACMA reiterated that illegal gambling websites frequently lack basic customer safeguards and also provides guidance for consumers on how to protect themselves from illegal gambling operators.
Users may face delayed withdrawals, unresolved disputes, weak responsible gambling controls or complete loss of deposited funds. Many offshore sites can appear legitimate despite operating outside Australian law.
This consumer protection narrative remains central to Australia’s enforcement approach.
Wider Industry Implications
Infrastructure-level enforcement model
Australia remains one of the most active regulated markets globally in tackling offshore gambling supply.
Rather than relying only on licensing frameworks or financial penalties, the country has increasingly adopted infrastructure-level disruption through ISP blocking.
That model is being closely watched by other jurisdictions seeking stronger tools to combat black-market gambling activity.
Final Analysis
Regulatory direction in 2026
The latest round of website blocking reinforces a clear market signal: Australia intends to maintain sustained pressure on illegal online gambling operators.
For licensed brands, suppliers and affiliates, the direction is significant. Enforcement is becoming more persistent, more digital and more commercially relevant.
As global regulators continue focusing on channelisation and player protection, Australia’s strategy offers one of the clearest examples of proactive market intervention in 2026.
