The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is continuing its rigorous enforcement campaign against unlicensed online gambling operators, instructing local internet service providers (ISPs) to block access to four more illegal websites.
The latest platforms targeted by the regulator are Slot Mafia, Top Aussie Pokies, Polymarket, and Spinanga. According to the ACMA, formal investigations confirmed that these services were offering gambling products to Australian consumers in direct breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
This action is a key component of the ACMA’s multi-pronged strategy to protect Australians from the significant risks associated with unregulated online gambling.
The regulator has repeatedly warned consumers that while many illegal platforms may appear legitimate, they operate without the necessary licenses and fail to provide crucial consumer safeguards.
These protections include the secure handling of customer funds and access to fair and impartial dispute resolution services, leaving players vulnerable to financial loss with little to no recourse.
Since the introduction of new enforcement powers in 2017, the ACMA’s sustained pressure has led to approximately 220 illegal services voluntarily exiting the Australian market.
Furthermore, the practice of website blocking, which commenced in November 2019, has proven to be an effective disruption tool.
To date, this initiative has resulted in more than 1,200 illegal gambling and affiliate marketing websites being taken offline and made inaccessible to Australian users.
The ACMA strongly urges all consumers to exercise caution and to verify the legitimacy of any wagering service before depositing funds. The regulator maintains an official public register of all licensed interactive gambling operators in Australia, which can be easily accessed on its website.
The site also provides valuable resources to help consumers recognize the warning signs of an illegal gambling operator and offers a formal channel for reporting suspicious platforms for investigation.
The latest round of blocks reaffirms the ACMA’s commitment to disrupting the operations of offshore providers that illegally target Australian customers.
