Australia’s communications regulator has directed internet service providers (ISPs) to block another 12 illegal gambling and affiliate marketing websites after investigations found they were operating in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
The latest enforcement action targets 7Signs, Chromabet.org, Donbet, Duospin, Freshbet, Slots Gem, Jacks Club, Lucky Start, Pointsbetz.com, Spinrise, Vinyl Casino and Wildsino. Chromabet.org and Pointsbetz.com imitate licensed wagering brands, a tactic used to make unauthorised platforms appear legitimate to Australian consumers.
Website blocking remains one of several enforcement measures used to reduce access to illegal offshore gambling services. Since issuing its first blocking request in November 2019, ACMA has blocked 1,751 illegal gambling and affiliate websites. More than 230 illegal gambling operators have also withdrawn from the Australian market since enforcement under updated gambling rules began in 2017.
The regulator continues to warn consumers that illegal gambling websites often lack important customer protections, increasing the risk of financial losses. Australians can verify whether a wagering operator is authorised through ACMA’s register of licensed services.
Enforcement Continues as Offshore Operators Adapt
The latest blocking order forms part of a wider effort to restrict access to offshore gambling operators, although enforcement faces ongoing challenges. Blocked websites can reappear under different domains, while some operators continue to reach Australian customers through affiliate marketing, social media and streaming platforms including Kick and TikTok.
According to H2 Gambling Capital’s 2025 report, commissioned by Responsible Wagering Australia, Australians lose an estimated AU$3.9 billion each year to illegal gambling websites. The report also found that channelisation declined from 74% in 2021 to 64%.
Australia’s regulatory environment will change again in January 2027, when gambling advertising restrictions announced by the Albanese government introduce new limits across television, radio and online advertising.
Consumer Protection Shapes ACMA Priorities
Alongside its latest gambling enforcement action, ACMA has released its Outcomes: compliance priorities 2025–26 report, focusing on areas where industry compliance plays an important role in protecting consumers.
The priorities include disrupting branded SMS scams, enforcing Triple Zero and public safety obligations, regulating mobile phone equipment, enforcing consumer safeguards for people experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence, and implementing gambling advertising reforms.
ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin said the priorities reflect consumer expectations.
“Communications services are at the centre of Australians’ economic and social lives. Consumers expect more from these services than ever before. And they want more help in getting access to services and stronger protections if things go wrong,” Ms O’Loughlin said.
“Whether it is making sure people can reach Triple Zero in an emergency, helping stop scam messages before they reach consumers, or ensuring vulnerable customers receive the protections they are entitled to, the ACMA will act where industry falls short.”
The regulator will also continue its long-term work on preventing gambling harm, combating spam and telecommunications scams, and protecting vulnerable telecommunications customers.
“These priorities identify areas of particular focus for the year ahead, but they do not limit the ACMA’s work. We will continue to take action across all our regulatory responsibilities where we identify serious or systemic non-compliance,” Ms O’Loughlin said.
Source:
“Latest illegal online gambling websites blocked”, acma.gov.au, Jun 25, 2026
The post ACMA Expands Crackdown on Illegal Gambling Websites first appeared on RealMoneyAction.com.