Australia cracks down on illegal gambling with record website blocks
Australian regulators have stepped up efforts to crack down on illegal online gambling. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has blocked over 1,200 offshore casino websites since 2023, with 133 more added between October and December 2025. Social media influencers are now being warned about heavy fines for promoting unlicensed gambling services.
ACMA's campaign against illegal gambling has intensified in recent years. Since launching its blocking measures in 2023, the authority has taken action against more than 1,200 unlicensed casino sites, with further blocks reported into early 2026. Between October and December 2025 alone, 133 additional websites were restricted.
The regulator has made it clear that even indirect promotion—such as sharing hyperlinks to illegal gambling platforms—can result in severe penalties. Individuals found facilitating access to these services may face fines of up to A$2.475 million per violation. Influencers, in particular, risk penalties reaching A$59,400 if caught promoting offshore casinos.
To help the public avoid illegal gambling promotions, ACMA advises checking for clear licensing details, visible regulator warnings, and easy access to responsible gambling tools. The authority also publishes regular updates whenever new sites are added to its block list.
The crackdown highlights the risks for both operators and promoters of unlicensed gambling. With fines extending into the millions and ongoing website blocks, ACMA's measures aim to limit access to illegal services. Social media creators have been put on notice that breaching these rules will lead to significant financial consequences.
