Key Moments:
- The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has instructed internet providers to block nine more illegal gambling platforms.
- Since 2019, ACMA has blocked 1,369 illegal gambling and affiliate sites across Australia.
- ACMA maintains a public register so consumers can verify if an operator is properly licensed within Australia.
Regulators Target Unlicensed Operators
This week, nine additional gambling sites have been removed from access in Australia as regulators escalate their efforts to safeguard domestic players. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) confirmed that internet service providers have received instructions to block these new targets, all found to be in violation of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
Sites Named in Latest Blocklist
The list of recently blocked sites includes Cashed, King Maker, Posido, Spinight, Spinsy, The Pokies Reviews, and Topio Networks. ACMA also intervened against next2go-au.com and wizbet.app, two imitation platforms masquerading as authorized operators Next2Go and WizBet.
| Site Name | Reason for Block |
|---|---|
| Cashed | Illegal gambling service |
| King Maker | Illegal gambling service |
| Posido | Illegal gambling service |
| Spinight | Illegal gambling service |
| Spinsy | Illegal gambling service |
| The Pokies Reviews | Illegal gambling affiliate |
| Topio Networks | Illegal gambling service |
| next2go-au.com | Imitation of licensed operator |
| wizbet.app | Imitation of licensed operator |
Historical Enforcement and Player Security
Since first issuing site-blocking requests in 2019, ACMA has blocked 1,369 websites relating to unlicensed gambling and affiliate activities. Prior enforcement efforts that began in 2017 led to 220 services voluntarily withdrawing from the Australian market.
ACMA’s actions are focused on minimizing player risk from unregulated operators, which typically do not offer consumer protections, regulatory oversight, or mechanisms for resolving disputes. As a result, affected consumers have limited avenues for recourse should issues arise.
How Players Can Check Operator Legitimacy
To prevent consumers from being misled by unauthorized or lookalike brands, ACMA offers a publicly accessible register of approved operators. Australians can use this resource to confirm whether a gambling company holds a valid domestic license before participating or making deposits.
Further Global Enforcement
This wave of blocks follows official warnings issued in October, when several operators based in Curaçao, the Netherlands, and the Comoros Islands were cited for providing unauthorized betting and casino services to Australian users. These warnings underscore the country’s intent to enforce compliance across the online gambling sector.
Australia Moves Toward a Safer Gambling Market
While site-blocking is just one aspect of Australia’s regulatory framework, each action further communicates the country’s commitment to a transparent, regulated market. The objective remains clear: ensure that only operators adhering to the rules can serve Australian customers, while unauthorized services face increasing barriers to access.
- Author
Daniel Williams
