Thanks to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), 10 online gambling sites are about to be blocked across the nation. While a range of enforcement options are available, this has proven to be among the most effective. In fact, since the ACMA made their first blocking request in November of 2019, a total of 238 gambling sites have been prohibited.

The Soon-to-be-Blocked Websites

The ACMA investigated the sites after multiple reports of player mistreatment and unethical behaviour (such as withholding winnings). This led to evidence that the sites were illegally operating in the country (and in violation of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001). Now, they’re prepared to contact Aussie ISPs and request the sites be blocked across Australia.

The sites are as follows:

  • All Spins Win
  • Aussie Play
  • Bonza Spins
  • Golden Pokies
  • Golden Reels
  • House of Pokies
  • Play Croco
  • Pokie Mate
  • Pokie Spins
  • PokieZ

So what happens if you’re a current or former customer? Well, the ACMA offers the following advice, “We urge Australian users of these sites to withdraw their money now.”

Once the sites are blocked, any Australian who attempts to access them will be met with an informative message. While initially disappointing to potential punters, the ACMA believes this message is a good way to warn about illegal gambling services.

Previously Blocked Sites

Back in October of 2023, the following names were added to the ever-growing list of blocked gambling sites:

  • Dinkum Pokies
  • Fortune Clock Casino

However, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. As mentioned in the introductory paragraph, the ACMA has blocked 238 illegal sites within just a few years. Here are some of the more notable examples:

  • 1trueblue.com
  • Bondibet.com
  • Casinodingo.com
  • Desertnightscasino.com
  • Fairgoforyou.com
  • Freespin.com
  • Gunsbet.com
  • Ignitioncasino.eu
  • Newblackdiamond.com
  • Newtrueblue.com
  • Playragingbull.com
  • Redstaggames.com
  • Roocasino339.com
  • Slottica.com
  • Topbet.eu
  • Uptownpokieshome.com
  • Wagerbeat252.com
  • Xpokies.com

For a complete list of all banned sites, please click on this link. However, this only applies to residents of Australia, so gamblers in other parts of the world may be able to access these websites with no difficulty.

Why Are Illegal Gambling Sites Blocked?

Under the Telecommunications Act of 1997, the ACMA may ask internet service providers to block access to specific websites. By doing so, the goal is to prevent illegal online content from making its way into the home of Australians. Most often, this comes into play when serious civil or criminal offences take place.

As for what constitutes illegal online content, the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 often serves as a determining factor. For example, here are some of the most common elements that result in a gambling site being blocked:

  • Firstly, prohibited interactive gambling services cannot be provided to Aussie customers. This applies to online pokies, casinos, and sports betting.
  • Secondly, companies cannot provide unlicensed regulated interactive gambling services to Australian citizens. For example, this includes an online betting service without a valid license to operate in Australia.
  • Australian-based prohibited interactive gambling services cannot be provided in a designated nation. This applies to Australia, but it may also apply to other countries if they request it.
  • Individuals or groups cannot advertise prohibited interactive gambling services.
  • Lastly, groups or individuals cannot advertise unlicensed regulated interactive gambling services. For instance, this includes writing, signs, symbols, and still or moving pictures. The aforementioned cannot promote an interactive gambling service, a trademark or domain name of a gambling service, or words closely associated with a designated interactive gambling service.

Additional Articles

Finally, if you’d like to read more about the world of gambling, be sure to click on the following links: