ACMA blocks a dozen gambling websites

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has ordered internet service providers to block a further tranche of illegal online gambling websites after finding they were operating in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.

The latest sites to be blocked include Abu King, BetAlice, Dragon Slots, Nova Jackpot, Power Up Casino, QuickWin, Roby Casino, Rocketspin, Rooster Bet, Vegasino, Vegas Now and Winbay.

Website blocking remains one of the ACMA’s key enforcement tools aimed at protecting Australians from unlicensed offshore gambling operators.

Since the regulator issued its first blocking request in November 2019, 1,455 illegal gambling and affiliate sites have been taken offline. A further 220 services have withdrawn from the Australian market entirely since the ACMA began enforcing strengthened rules in 2017.

The authority warned consumers that even professionally presented offshore sites lack the mandatory safeguards required under Australian law, leaving users exposed if disputes arise or winnings are withheld.

The ACMA urged Australians to verify whether a wagering service is licensed domestically by checking its public register, noting that using illegal platforms carries a significant risk of financial loss.