The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has directed internet service providers (ISPs) to block six illegal gambling websites: Eddy Vegas, Lucky Friends, Lucky Ones, MoonWin, Slottie, and SpinsUP.
These sites were operating in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 and targeting Australian consumers with unlicensed gambling services.
This move is part of ACMA’s ongoing crackdown on illegal online gambling to protect Australians from financial harm and services that lack customer protections. Since 2019, ACMA has blocked over 1,117 illegal gambling and affiliate websites. Strict enforcement, which began in 2017, has also forced more than 220 illegal operators to leave the Australian market.
ACMA warns consumers that illegal gambling platforms often appear legitimate but lack safeguards, putting users at risk of losing their money. Australians are urged to verify gambling services through ACMA’s public register of licensed operators.
In 2023, ACMA’s role expanded with the introduction of BetStop, a centralized national gambling self-exclusion scheme supported by all six Australian states and territories. Launched in August 2023, BetStop provides a unified way for Australians to exclude themselves from gambling services. The federal government appointed Richard Eccles in October to lead the first statutory review of BetStop, which has already registered 40,000 self-exclusions.
Despite progress, gambling reform remains contentious. Amendments to the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 recommended by the Murphy Report of 2023 include a phased ban on online gambling advertising. However, Prime Minister Albanese has delayed decisions on these reforms until 2025 due to pushback from the media and sports industries, which heavily rely on gambling ad revenue.
ACMA continues to push forward with enforcement measures, urging Australians to stay vigilant and use licensed services to protect their finances and personal information.
