The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has identified several online gambling services operating in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. These services include Playzilla, Wazamba, Zet Casino, and Slots Palace. ACMA has the authority to request blocks on these sites if they are found to be providing illegal gambling services to Australian customers.
Other sites that ACMA has identified for blocking include Nomini, Casinia, SG Casino, Fez Bet, Buran Casino, Spin Better, Golden Bet, and Clash.gg. Since November 2019, ACMA has blocked a total of 926 illegal gambling and affiliate websites. Additionally, over 220 illegal services have voluntarily exited the Australian market to comply with offshore gambling regulations.
ACMA has warned consumers that even seemingly legitimate services may lack important consumer protections. This could leave customers vulnerable if issues arise, such as withheld winnings. In December 2023, ACMA targeted four major online gambling brands, including Ladbrokes and Bet365, for breaching in-play betting rules.
It was found that these brands had used “Fast/Quick codes” to enable in-play betting on sports matches, a practice prohibited under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. The operators eventually complied with the rules, avoiding further enforcement action from ACMA. The four brands named in the breach were Entain-owned Ladbrokes and Neds, as well as Hillside’s Bet365 and Sportsbet.
Australia’s laws only allow limited exceptions for in-play betting, such as placing bets over the phone through an actual phone call. Online in-play betting on sports matches remains illegal under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
