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Australia’s gambling watchdog just dropped fresh Q2 numbers, and it’s clear they’ve been busy.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has released its Q2 2025 enforcement data, showing a steady rise in action taken against unlicensed gambling sites, skin betting platforms, and digital operators offering prohibited services to Australian players.
Between April and June, 330 complaints and enquiries were submitted to the Authority. Of those, 292 led to formal investigations under the Interactive Gambling Act (IGA).
That’s an average of 3.6 submissions a day, and June came out on top with 121 complaints, ahead of 111 in May and 98 in April.
More sites under the microscope
Twenty separate investigations were launched targeting 24 platforms.
From these, ACMA flagged 30 breaches: 16 from banned services, 12 from unlicensed operations, and 2 linked to illegal advertising.
Ten formal warnings were handed out to companies, including Hollycorn, Nava, and Best Aussie Pokies, all previously found operating unlawfully in the Australian market.
ACMA’s enforcement rhythm is picking up pace, with complaint volumes holding steady and site takedowns expanding. For context on how these actions fit into the country’s broader legal framework, the gambling regulation in Australia outlines how the IGA works, who ACMA targets, and what enforcement powers are in play.
Skin gambling under fire
Two companies got called out for CSGO-style gambling.
Gamusoft and Moontain were formally warned for operating skin gambling services. These sites allow players to wager virtual items and skins on outcomes like esports matches or loot-based games of chance.
While they may not involve traditional currency, ACMA has made it clear that they’re still gambling services when the items carry real-world value. And they’ve drawn growing concern due to their appeal among younger users.
This marks a shift in focus, showing that regulators are starting to take aim at the blurred lines between gaming and gambling.
Blocks and dodges
ACMA also blocked 73 domains, many of them rebranded clones.
Several of the offending websites had already been targeted in earlier rounds but returned under new names or mirror domains to dodge enforcement. This is a common pattern in offshore gambling markets, and it’s one the Authority is actively tracking.
Earlier in the year, ACMA requested ISPs to block another four illegal gambling sites, just one piece of a growing puzzle of tech-based enforcement strategies.
No individuals were added to the Movement Alert List this quarter, marking the only enforcement tool left unused between April and June.
What’s next?
The pressure is on. Offshore operators are watching, and so are players.
Q2’s figures show that ACMA isn’t slowing down. As more platforms try to sidestep regulation, the agency is doubling down with a mix of investigations, blocks, and formal warnings.
The key takeaway: enforcement is no longer just about targeting big-name brands. Niche sites, clone domains, and even grey-market skin betting platforms are all on the radar now.
Expect to see more cross-industry coordination and tech-based blocking in the months ahead. For operators still thinking about testing the waters without a licence, Q2 just sent a loud signal.
Source: Gambling Insider
