The ongoing clampdown on illegal gambling websites in Australia has continued with another group of sites being blocked.
As of September 17, 2025, at least five more sites have been blocked as a result of fresh action taken by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). In a statement, the ACMA said that the following services had been found to be operating in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001:
- Slot Lounge
- Betzillo
- FastSpin99
- Spinit
- PokiesPros
The ACMA is calling on Australian internet service providers (ISPs) to take more action to block more illegal online gambling and affiliate sites.
Further ACMA Action
The news that five more illegal online gambling sites have been blocked by the ACMA comes after similar action was taken last month. A quartet of sites – Slot Mafia, Top Aussie Pokies, Polymarket and Spinanga – were named by the ACMA as operating illegally.
A clampdown on Australian illegal gambling websites by the ACMA seems to be gathering pace.
In a new statement, the ACMA said:
“Website blocking is one of a range of enforcement options to protect Australians against illegal online gambling.”
It pointed out that more than 1,300 illegal gambling and affiliate websites have been blocked since the ACMA made its first blocking request, which was almost six years ago.
With a further 220 illegal services having also confirmed that they have pulled out of the Australian market since the ACMA began enforcing its new illegal online gambling rules in 2017, it is clear the action is working.
The ACMA added:
“The ACMA is reminding consumers that even if a service looks legitimate, it’s unlikely to have important customer protections. This means Australians who use illegal gambling services risk losing their money.
You can check if a wagering service is licensed to operate in Australia on our register.”
Social Media Influencers Warnings
Gambling is very popular in Australia and many people in the country do so legally.
But concerns have been rising over levels of illegal activity taking place in Australia, especially as so many social media influencers appear to be promoting such sites.
The ACMA recently issued a warning over online slots – which are normally referred to as pokies in Australia – and casino-style games like blackjack, which are illegal.
It said:
“If you are an influencer and you profit from promoting illegal games and wagering services to Australians – you are breaking the law.”
The ACMA pointed out social media influencers who live stream themselves playing pokies or casino games like blackjack are at risk of being prosecuted.
Breaching the law can result in individuals being handed civil penalties of up to AU$59,400.
Punishment levels can be even higher for Australian social media influencers who are found to be facilitating access to illegal online gambling services, for instance by giving hyperlinks.
The ACMA noted this can incur even greater penalties and may be up to AU$2,475,000.
Australia’s Current Gambling Advertising Rules Criticised
Gambling reform has been on the agenda for Australian politicians for some time.
But progress in this area has been slow, with the government criticised for not taking faster action to ban gambling ads.
Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja is among the major public figures to have spoken out.
Khawaja said in an appearance at Parliament House that the government should “ban gambling from sport – it’s quite simple” and said it is becoming normalised for teenagers due to the levels of advertising.
He added:
“You have to go cold turkey, it’s the same as what happened with tobacco. We have a responsibility.”