The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has requested that Australian internet service providers block a further group of illegal online gambling websites found to be operating in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
The latest sites subject to blocking include Lucky Mate, Vegastars, Wombet, Cosmobet, Fortune Play, Fortunica, Rolletto and Velobet.
Following investigations, ACMA determined that these services were offering prohibited or unlicensed interactive gambling products to Australian customers.
Website blocking forms part of ACMA’s broader enforcement strategy aimed at limiting access to offshore operators targeting the Australian market.
Since the regulator made its first blocking request in November 2019, a total of 1,518 illegal gambling and affiliate websites have been blocked. In addition, more than 220 illegal services have withdrawn from the Australian market since the strengthened enforcement of illegal online gambling rules began in 2017.
Under the Interactive Gambling Act, it is unlawful to provide certain online gambling services – including online casino-style games – to customers located in Australia without appropriate authorisation.
The regulator has reminded consumers that offshore gambling websites may appear legitimate but typically lack the customer protections required of licensed Australian operators. Players using illegal services thus risk losing funds without recourse.
Australians can verify whether a wagering service is licensed through ACMA’s public register and can submit complaints regarding suspected illegal operators via the regulator’s website.
Recent enforcement activity demonstrates the scale of regulatory action. During the fourth quarter of 2025, ACMA blocked 133 websites and completed 23 investigations covering 45 gambling sites, identifying breaches in every case reviewed. The regulator received 483 complaints and enquiries during that period, with offshore casino-style services accounting for the majority of violations.
Separately, ACMA concluded six investigations into licensed operators – including Tabcorp, LightningBet, Betfocus, TempleBet, Picklebet, and BetChamps – for breaching BetStop self-exclusion rules. Enforcement measures included financial penalties, remedial directions requiring independent audits and formal warnings for failures to prevent self-excluded individuals from accessing wagering services.
Australians using illegal offshore gambling services risk significant financial losses as these platforms lack the consumer protections required of licensed operators, with industry estimates suggesting nearly AU$4bn in annual losses to unlicensed sites
