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Australia’s gambling watchdog is stepping up its campaign against unlicensed operators. The ACMA illegal gambling crackdown has blocked seven more sites, pushing the national blacklist to 1,338.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has ordered internet providers to block another group of unlicensed gambling websites, continuing its effort to protect Australian players from offshore operators.
Sites including Crown Gold, Maxispin Casino, Rain.gg, Didibet, LuckyBet, Malina Casino, and Spins of Glory breached the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 by offering casino games to Australians without approval.
ACMA illegal gambling enforcement strengthens
The regulator says blocking websites remains one of the best ways to protect Australians from illegal gambling.
After investigating each site, the ACMA confirmed they targeted Australian players without holding valid licences. The authority said:
“Website blocking is one of a range of enforcement options to protect Australians against illegal online gambling.”
Since November 2019, when the first blocking order came into effect, the number of banned websites has grown rapidly. Around 222 offshore operators have already left the Australian market since 2017, when the regulator tightened gambling rules.
The ACMA continues to warn that many unlicensed sites appear trustworthy but fail to offer consumer protections required under national law. Therefore, players are urged to check the public register of licensed wagering providers before signing up.
As investigations expand, the regulator is increasing pressure on offshore companies that keep targeting Australian players. For background on how Australia’s gambling laws and regulatory framework work, see gambling regulation in Australia.
Offshore operators face new warnings
Recent ACMA investigations have exposed another wave of unlicensed companies offering gambling services to Australians.
In the second quarter of 2025, the authority received 330 complaints and investigated 292 of them. It launched 20 investigations, issued 10 formal warnings, and identified 73 websites that broke national gambling laws.
Two companies, Hollycorn N.V. and Stellar Ltd., received warnings for operating without approval. The ACMA said it will impose stronger penalties, including permanent site blocks, if they continue to ignore the law.
These warnings form part of a wider plan to protect the integrity of Australia’s regulated gambling market and reduce harm caused by offshore operators.
As the number of cases grows, the regulator’s response is becoming faster and more coordinated.
2025 marks a year of tighter control
The ACMA illegal gambling crackdown has gained momentum throughout 2025, with several major enforcement rounds.
In August, the regulator blocked Slot Mafia, Top Aussie Pokies, and Spinanga. Then in September, it added Slot Lounge, Betzillo, and FastSpin99, increasing the total to 1,322 blocked sites.
Each case revealed clear breaches of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. By October, the total climbed again as the ACMA introduced new payment restrictions, including bans on credit card and cryptocurrency use for online wagering.
As a result, the regulator’s campaign now targets both illegal operators and payment systems that allow them to function.
Companies named in the latest round of warnings
Four companies were recently called out by ACMA for offering illegal gambling services without proper licences.
Those named were Digibrite S.R.L. (The Pokies), Just Entertainment B.V. (Lucky Ones7), Stellar Ltd. (Spinit), and Hollycorn N.V. (Slot Lounge). Each company offered casino-style games to Australians without local authorisation.
The regulator said these operations undermine legal businesses and expose players to financial risk. If the companies keep breaking the rules, ACMA plans to request further site blocks and consider law enforcement referrals.
Meanwhile, the regulator’s oversight continues to expand beyond gambling alone.
Broader oversight across digital regulation
The regulator’s latest compliance report shows how gambling enforcement fits within a broader approach to online regulation.
In its 2024–25 compliance report, the ACMA reported stronger compliance with the recent payment bans and growing use of the National Self-Exclusion Register (NSER). It also increased cooperation with internet providers, allowing faster removal of unlicensed operators.
Outside gambling, the authority is also active in other sectors. In July 2024, Betfair Australia paid AUS$870,000 in fines for spam law breaches. Later, in September 2025, ACMA published a report on AI-driven misinformation, urging digital platforms to strengthen fact-checking and media literacy.
By expanding its oversight, the regulator aims to create a safer online environment across industries, not only gambling.
ACMA’s illegal gambling crackdown focuses on player protection
ACMA continues to remind Australians that unlicensed sites are never safe.
The regulator’s website now includes step-by-step guidance for verifying operators, reporting illegal gambling, and avoiding scams. The authority said:
“Even if a service looks legitimate, it’s unlikely to have important customer protections. Australians who use illegal gambling services risk losing their money.”
With 1,338 sites blocked and more under review, the ACMA illegal gambling campaign shows how enforcement and communication can protect players and maintain the integrity of the country’s online market.
Source: SIGMA
