The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has instructed internet service providers to block access to six unlicensed gambling websites: Eddy Vegas, Lucky Friends, Lucky Ones, MoonWin, Slottie, and SpinsUP.
These sites were found to be violating the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 by providing unauthorized gambling services to Australian consumers. This action is part of ACMA’s continuing efforts to curb illegal online gambling activities, aiming to safeguard Australians from financial risks and unsupported services. Since 2019, more than 1,117 unlawful gambling and affiliate sites have been blocked, complemented by enforcement actions since 2017 that resulted in over 220 illegal operators exiting the Australian market.
ACMA cautions consumers against illegal gambling sites that might seem legitimate but do not offer protections, potentially jeopardizing users’ funds. Australians are encouraged to check the legitimacy of gambling services through ACMA’s publicly available register of licensed operators.
In 2023, ACMA expanded its initiatives with BetStop, a nation-wide self-exclusion program backed by all six Australian states and territories. Introduced in August 2023, BetStop offers a uniform platform for Australians to opt out of gambling services. The federal government appointed Richard Eccles in October for the first statutory review of BetStop, which has already facilitated 40,000 self-exclusions.
Despite advancements, gambling reform continues to be a divisive issue. The Murphy Report of 2023 suggested gradual prohibitions on online gambling advertising as part of proposed amendments to the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. However, Prime Minister Albanese has postponed decisions regarding these reforms until 2025, facing opposition from the media and sports sectors that heavily depend on revenue from gambling advertisements.
ACMA remains committed to enforcing regulations and advises Australians to remain cautious and utilize only licensed services to safeguard their finances and personal information.