Australia Blocks Illegal Gambling Sites: ACMA Continues Blacklist Strategy

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is intensifying its crackdown on the unregulated online gambling market. In a new wave of directives, the regulator has instructed internet service providers (ISPs) to block access to several high-profile brands. Among those affected are Casea, Crown96, Lucky Block, and Rooli. According to the authority, these companies operate without the necessary permits, thereby significantly violating the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. The ACMA maintains a manual blacklist to prevent Australian citizens from accessing these services, although the effectiveness of these measures remains a subject of debate among experts.

Since enforcement began in 2017, approximately 230 services have voluntarily exited the Australian market. Nevertheless, the challenge remains immense. The authority is not only focusing on the operators themselves but is also targeting affiliate websites and influencers who use their reach to promote illegal offers. A particularly critical point is that legal online casinos do not effectively exist in Australia, as legislation only permits sports betting, horse racing, and lotteries under strict conditions. Online slots and traditional table games are generally prohibited, which almost inevitably drives players into the arms of offshore operators.

Numbers and facts

The scale of the Australian black market is both impressive and concerning. According to current reports, the list of blocked websites now includes 1,788 entries. Since November 2019 alone, 1,751 illegal gambling and affiliate marketing sites have been blocked. A particularly bold case involved the site Pointsbetz.com, which specifically imitated the branding of the licensed operator PointsBet to deceive users and gain their trust. Crypto casinos are also increasingly in focus, as they often enable anonymous payments, bypassing any player protection mechanisms.

The financial impact on the regulated market and the state treasury is significant. According to the H2 Gambling Capital report for 2025, Australians lose an estimated AU$3.9 billion (approximately US$2.7 billion) annually to illegal sites. The declining channelization rate is particularly alarming: while it stood at 74 percent in 2021, it has since dropped to 64 percent. This means that more and more players are leaving the protected environment to play with providers that lack any oversight, significantly increasing the risk of financial loss and gambling addiction.

Background

Regulatory pressure is growing not only through technical blocks. The government under Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is currently reviewing extensive reforms of the gambling sector based on the so-called Murphy Report from June 2023. This report recommended a total of 31 measures, including a full ban on gambling advertising on television and radio. While the Greens have already submitted a corresponding bill to the Senate, the government is still hesitating to implement a total ban. Albanese recently emphasized in the House of Representatives that while the link between sports and gambling must be broken, a complete ban is not necessarily the sole solution.

Another problem remains the technical cat-and-mouse game. Once a domain is blocked, mirror domains often appear within a few hours under a slightly modified address. Furthermore, illegal providers are increasingly using platforms like TikTok or the streaming site Kick to reach a younger audience through influencers. The ACMA has already reacted to this by issuing initial fines, such as the AU$1.9 million penalty against Tabcorp for sending promotional messages to players who had actually self-excluded.

"Website blocking is one of a range of enforcement options to protect Australians against illegal online gambling." - Official Statement, ACMA

Why it matters for German players

For German players, the situation in Australia serves as a cautionary tale. In contrast to Australia, Germany has a clearly regulated market for online casinos through the State Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021). The Joint Gambling Authority of the States (GGL) maintains an official whitelist listing all legal providers. While the lack of legal casino options in Australia fuels the black market, Germany provides a secure framework. Mechanisms such as the monthly deposit limit of 1,000 euros via the LUGAS system and the cross-provider exclusion system OASIS are in place here.

Anyone in Germany playing with a provider without a GGL license is exposing themselves to similar risks as Australian users. Without GGL oversight, there is no guarantee for the payout of winnings or compliance with stake limits (such as the 1 euro limit per spin on slots). German players should therefore strictly ensure they only play with providers on the whitelist to enjoy legal certainty and maximum player protection. The Australian case clearly shows that network blocks alone cannot satisfy players' demand for casino products if no legal alternatives are available.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

Developments in Australia highlight the importance of a high channelization rate for the success of regulation. GGL-licensed casinos in Germany must adhere to a strict set of rules that heavily restrict advertising and gameplay. However, this is the only way to ensure the long-term trust of players and regulatory authorities. The experience from Down Under proves that a functioning legal market is the best weapon against illegal offshore providers from jurisdictions like Curacao or Malta, which often lure players with aggressive bonuses and missing limits but offer no legal recourse.