ACMA Blocks 133 Illegal Gambling Sites During Q4 Enforcement Action

Offshore casino-style services caused most breaches, as investigations found violations in every case under the Interactive Gambling Act.

Key Points

• ACMA investigated 45 gambling sites between October and December 2025.
• All 23 investigations confirmed breaches under the Interactive Gambling Act.
• The regulator referred 133 websites to internet service providers for blocking.

Australia communications regulator increased enforcement against illegal online gambling during quarter four 2025. The action included blocking 133 websites and issuing 10 formal warnings during the period. The ACMA quarterly update reported 483 enquiries and complaints linked to interactive gambling between October and December.

Rise in Gambling Complaints Highlights Ongoing Offshore Operator Activity

From this total, 420 cases met scope requirements under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 IGA. Complaint numbers rose throughout the quarter across monthly reporting periods. Records showed 146 enquiries during October, followed by 169 during November. December closed the quarter with 168 enquiries and complaints logged. ACMA said this data shows consumer exposure continues from offshore gambling services targeting Australians without authorisation. During the same timeframe, the regulator completed 23 investigations across 45 gambling websites. Each investigation identified at least one IGA breach, producing 69 findings overall.

Findings included 38 cases offering prohibited interactive gambling services to Australian customers. The review also identified 26 cases involving unlicensed regulated gambling services. Five additional breaches involved advertising of illegal gambling offerings. As part of enforcement, ACMA issued 10 formal warnings to offshore operators. The warnings named Dama NV, NovaForge and Stellar for operating services without Australian licences.

ACMA Expands Website Blocking Measures Against Illegal Gambling Sites

Several warnings covered multiple branded websites operated by the same entities. ACMA also advanced its website blocking programme during quarter four 2025. The regulator referred 133 URLs to Australian internet service providers for blocking access. ACMA stated that many blocked websites used alternative or mirror domains to bypass earlier restrictions. The same 133 URLs were also reported to accredited family-friendly filter providers. This step aimed to limit access through parental control systems.

Most blocked services offered casino-style games, including slots, blackjack and roulette. Some sites also provided wagering products without regulatory approval. Australian law treats offering or advertising these services to local customers as an offence. Earlier in January, ACMA issued formal warnings to three offshore operators. These followed investigations into unlicensed services via Rocketspin, Rooster Bet, Vegas Now and CrownPlay. The action reinforced ACMA’s focus on offshore gambling enforcement activities.