Feb 23, 2026 | 7:57 am
Australia's communications regulator has expanded its campaign against unlicensed online gambling by ordering internet service providers to block access to another 12 gambling and affiliate marketing websites found to be operating unlawfully.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) issued the latest blocking request after investigations concluded the websites had breached the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. The move continues a long-running enforcement effort aimed at limiting Australian consumers' access to offshore gambling operators that do not hold local licences.
The latest action increases the number of websites blocked since November 2019 to 1,751. The regulator also noted that more than 230 illegal gambling services have withdrawn from the Australian market since it began enforcing strengthened illegal online gambling rules in 2017.
Latest blocking order targets 12 websites
The newest ISP blocking request covers 7Signs, Donbet, Duospin, Freshbet, Slots Gem, Jacks Club, Lucky Start, Spinrise, Vinyl Casino and Wildsino, together with Chromabet.org and Pointsbetz.com.
ACMA identified both Chromabet.org and Pointsbetz.com as websites imitating licensed Australian brands. According to the regulator, Chromabet.org copied the identity of the licensed ChromaBet service, while Pointsbetz.com sought to resemble the authorized PointsBet platform.
The regulator warned that these imitation websites can create the impression of legitimacy and may encourage consumers to trust operators that are not licensed to provide gambling services in Australia.
ACMA also reminded consumers that offshore gambling sites often lack the customer protections available through licensed operators. As a result, Australians using these services face a greater risk of financial loss and may have limited options if disputes arise. The regulator encourages players to verify whether a wagering provider is licensed through its official register before gambling online.
Earlier this year, ACMA directed internet service providers to block another eight illegal gambling websites, including Lucky Mate, Vegastars, Wombet, Cosmobet, Fortune Play, Fortunica, Rolletto and Velobet.
Enforcement continues as offshore market evolves
Website blocking remains one of several enforcement tools available to ACMA. However, illegal operators continue finding new ways to reach Australian customers, including launching replacement domains after blocks take effect.
Industry observers have also pointed to increased promotion through affiliate websites, social media platforms and livestreaming services, allowing offshore operators to maintain visibility despite enforcement measures.
According to H2 Gambling Capital's 2025 report, commissioned by Responsible Wagering Australia, Australians lose an estimated AU$3.9 billion annually to illegal gambling websites. The report also found that channelisation declined from 74% in 2021 to 64%, indicating a growing share of gambling activity taking place outside the regulated market.
The regulatory environment is also set to change further. Gambling advertising reforms announced by the Albanese government in April 2026 will introduce new restrictions across television, radio and online advertising from January 2027. The measures include advertising caps and additional limitations on gambling promotions.
These developments increase pressure on licensed operators, payment providers and media businesses to ensure they avoid promoting or becoming associated with unlicensed offshore gambling services.
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Consumer protection remains a regulatory priority
The latest blocking action comes shortly after ACMA published its compliance and enforcement priorities for 2026–27.
Among the regulator's annual priorities is the implementation of gambling advertising reforms, alongside continued efforts to prevent gambling harm. ACMA also identified disrupting branded SMS scams, enforcing Triple Zero and public safety requirements, regulating mobile phone equipment, and protecting customers affected by domestic, family and sexual violence as key areas of focus.
ACMA Chair Nerida O'Loughlin said the regulator's priorities reflect consumer expectations for stronger protections across communications services, while noting that the annual priorities complement the authority's broader compliance and enforcement activities.
Alongside these annual priorities, ACMA confirmed it will continue its long-term focus on preventing gambling harm, combating spam and telecommunications scams, and protecting vulnerable telecommunications customers.
Source:
Latest illegal online gambling websites blocked, acma.gov.au, June 25, 2026