ACMA Crackdown on Illegal Offshore Gambling in Australia

Updated 19 May 2026: This story now includes ACMA’s latest website-blocking figures, recent enforcement data, and the Australian Government’s 2026 gambling reform package.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority has expanded its crackdown on illegal offshore gambling sites. On 21 June 2024, ACMA announced new blocking requests against offshore gambling websites targeting Australian players.

Since then, the regulator has kept taking action under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.

As a result, ACMA’s blocked-site total has now reached 1,640 illegal gambling and affiliate websites. The increase shows how closely ACMA continues to monitor offshore casino and betting operators.

ACMA Blocked-Site Total Reaches 1,640

ACMA has requested more website blocks against illegal offshore gambling and affiliate sites. As a result, the total number of blocked sites has reached 1,640. ACMA said in April 2026 that its latest blocking round followed new investigations. Those investigations found more services breaching the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.

The latest sites include Bass Bet, BetWhale, CasinOK, Cleobetra, FatPirate, Free Spinz and JackBit. They also include Mafia Casino, Nonbetstop.com, Tiki Casino and Vegas Hero.

This figure marks a further rise from June 2024. At that time, ACMA had requested blocks for 995 illegal gambling and affiliate websites since November 2019.

June 2024 Crackdown Targeted Three More Sites

The June 2024 action targeted three offshore gambling sites that ACMA said broke Australian law.

ACMA asked Australian internet service providers to block A Big Candy, Jackpoty and John Vegas Casino. The regulator said those sites offered services to Australians without the required approval.

Under Australian law, offshore operators cannot provide prohibited gambling services to local customers. In practice, that includes many online casino products, such as pokies, roulette and blackjack.

However, licensed Australian operators can offer approved wagering services, sports betting and lotteries.

More Than 230 Illegal Services Have Left Australia

ACMA also said more than 230 illegal gambling services have left the Australian market.

That figure covers the period since ACMA began enforcing updated illegal gambling rules in 2017.

Meanwhile, the regulator has continued to warn Australians about offshore gambling sites. ACMA said these sites may look legitimate but lack key customer protections. As a result, Australians who use illegal gambling services may lose access to their money.

ACMA Reports 69 Breach Findings in Latest Quarter

ACMA’s latest quarterly gambling compliance report shows continued action against illegal online gambling operators. Between October and December 2025, ACMA completed 23 investigations involving 45 gambling sites. The regulator found at least one breach of the Interactive Gambling Act in every investigation.

Overall, ACMA recorded 69 breach findings during the quarter.

These included 38 findings for providing prohibited interactive gambling services to Australian customers. They also included 26 findings for providing unlicensed regulated interactive gambling services.

Additionally, ACMA recorded five findings for advertising prohibited or unlicensed gambling services in Australia. ACMA also issued 10 formal warnings during the quarter.

Why ACMA Blocks Offshore Gambling Sites

Website blocking helps ACMA reduce access to illegal gambling services from Australia.

ACMA uses section 313 of the Telecommunications Act 1997 to request blocks from internet service providers. The regulator uses this tool when investigations find a service breaking Australian gambling law. However, blocking does not replace other enforcement options.

ACMA can also issue formal warnings, infringement notices and civil penalties. In serious cases, the regulator can also take Federal Court action.

The Scale of Illegal Offshore Gambling in Australia

Illegal offshore gambling remains a major concern for Australian regulators and licensed operators. Responsible Wagering Australia has cited Gambling Capital data on the offshore market.

According to that research, illegal offshore gambling may exceed $1 billion in Australia. The same research estimated that illegal operators could hold about 15% of Australia’s gambling market.

It also pointed to possible losses for racing, sports and tax revenue. Those losses could reach $1.6 billion in product fees from 2022 to 2027. In addition, lost tax revenue could reach $1.3 billion over the same period.

Government Reform Package Adds Further Pressure

The latest ACMA activity comes as the Australian Government prepares broader gambling reforms.

In April 2026, the Department of Infrastructure announced a new gambling reform package. The package includes stronger enforcement against illegal gambling services. It also covers wagering advertising restrictions, BetStop changes and harmful online lottery products.

Additionally, the package includes consistent match-fixing offences across Australia. The government plans to start the reforms from 1 January 2027, subject to legislation and consultation.

What This Means for Australian Players

ACMA’s crackdown gives Australian players another warning about illegal offshore gambling sites. Some sites use Australian branding, familiar payment options and large promotions to appear legitimate.

However, those details do not confirm that a site can legally serve Australian customers.

ACMA says players should check whether a wagering service holds an Australian licence. The regulator also keeps a public register that lists licensed wagering services.

For this reason, players should treat offshore casino sites with caution. Illegal operators may not offer clear complaint routes, local protections or reliable access to winnings.

What Happens Next

ACMA will likely keep targeting illegal offshore gambling operators through website blocking. However, the 2026 reform package may give regulators more support against offshore operators. The latest figures show a clear enforcement trend.

ACMA has moved from periodic site blocks to sustained action against illegal gambling and affiliate websites. As the blocked-site total grows, offshore operators face more pressure in the Australian market.

Sources

1. Interactive Gambling Act 2001 , Federal Register of Legislation, Australian Government.
2. About the Interactive Gambling Act , Australian Communications and Media Authority.
3. Latest Illegal Online Gambling Websites Blocked , Australian Communications and Media Authority, April 2026.
4. Blocked Gambling Websites , Australian Communications and Media Authority.
5. Action on Interactive Gambling: October to December 2025 , Australian Communications and Media Authority, January 2026.
6. Online Gambling Compliance and Investigations , Australian Communications and Media Authority.
7. Gambling Reforms 2026 , Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts.
8. Strong Action to Tackle Gambling Harms , Ministers for the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts, April 2026.
9. Illegal Offshore Gambling: A Growing Threat, Responsible Wagering Australia and H2 Gambling Capital, 2025.