ACMA Blocks 1,500+ Illegal Gambling Sites
Australia’s communications regulator has ordered internet service providers to block eight additional offshore gambling websites, extending its enforcement programme under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
The latest action by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) targets Lucky Mate, Vegastars, Wombet, Cosmobet, Fortune Play, Fortunica, Rolletto and Velobet, all found to be offering services illegally to Australian consumers.
Blocking Programme Now Exceeds 1,500 Sites
Since activating ISP-blocking powers in November 2019, ACMA has restricted access to 1,518 illegal gambling and affiliate domains. More than 220 offshore operators have exited the Australian market following regulatory intervention.
The figures underline that ISP-level disruption has become a standing enforcement tool rather than a symbolic measure. Instead of pursuing cross-border litigation, the regulator is targeting distribution removing access at infrastructure level.
This approach reduces visibility, interrupts payment flows and increases friction for offshore brands attempting to acquire Australian traffic.
Enforcement Strategy: Access Suppression Over Prosecution
Australia’s model reflects a shift toward technical containment. By working through domestic ISPs, regulators bypass jurisdictional limitations and focus on consumer access points.
For licensed operators, this matters commercially. Grey-market competition inflates acquisition costs and diverts wagering spend. Sustained blocking gradually strengthens channel integrity by limiting offshore alternatives particularly for casual bettors less likely to use VPNs or mirror domains.
However, blocking is not elimination. Offshore sites routinely reappear under new URLs, and sophisticated users can circumvent ISP restrictions. The programme’s effectiveness therefore depends on persistence and coordination with payment providers and affiliates.
Consumer Protection Framing – With Competitive Consequences
ACMA continues to frame enforcement around consumer risk, warning that unlicensed platforms offer no recourse for disputes, identity protection or fund recovery.
Operationally, the message is broader. Enforcement reduces brand leakage from the regulated ecosystem and reinforces the value of local licensing. It also signals to suppliers and affiliates that exposure to the Australian market carries compliance risk.
International Context
ISP blocking is increasingly embedded in regulatory practice across Europe and Asia-Pacific, particularly where cross-border enforcement is complex. Australia’s programme, now beyond 1,500 domains, ranks among the more sustained efforts in the region.
The direction of travel is clear: regulators are prioritising infrastructure control over reactive penalties.
For offshore operators, market access is becoming technically constrained.
For licensed incumbents, regulatory perimeter enforcement is gradually tightening competitive conditions.
Official Source link : AUSTRALIAN COMMUNICATIONS AND MEDIA AUTHORITY
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