Australia’s media regulator has ordered internet providers to block a further 12 illegal gambling and affiliate websites, pushing the total blocked since 2019 past 1,750 as the country tightens its grip on offshore operators.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) confirmed in late June 2026 that it had asked Australian internet service providers to block 12 more illegal online gambling and affiliate sites. None of the named brands holds an Australian licence, and the regulator says they were offering wagering or casino-style products to Australians in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act. The move continues a steady enforcement drumbeat aimed at services that operate outside the regulated market.
Key Facts:
• The ACMA ordered ISPs to block 12 more illegal gambling and affiliate websites in late June 2026 — ACMA
• The action takes the total number of sites blocked since the regime began in 2019 to 1,751 — ACMA
• More than 230 illegal services have withdrawn from the Australian market since the ACMA stepped up enforcement in 2017 — ACMA
• Newly blocked brands include 7Signs, Freshbet, Wildsino and Vinyl Casino — ACMA
What the ACMA has blocked
The latest list covers 12 sites: 7Signs, ChromaBet, Donbet, Duospin, Freshbet, Slots Gem, Jacks Club, Lucky Start, Pointsbetz.com, Spinrise, Vinyl Casino and Wildsino. Several present as slick crypto-friendly casinos, but none is licensed in Australia, where only locally licensed operators may legally offer real-money online gambling and online casino games are largely prohibited. That contrasts with neighbours building formal frameworks, such as New Zealand’s new online casino licensing rules. Website blocking — formally a “disruption” measure — directs ISPs to bar access at the domain level, though determined users can still reach mirror sites, which is why the blocked list grows steadily rather than shrinking.
Why the crackdown matters
The campaign has two edges. For consumers, the regulator’s case is straightforward player protection. “Illegal gambling services may appear legitimate but are unlikely to offer important customer protections, leaving Australians at risk of losing their money,” the ACMA said. (AGB) Unlicensed sites sit outside Australia’s responsible-gambling rules, deposit limits and complaints channels.
For the industry, the blocks chip away at the offshore grey market that licensed Australian operators have long complained siphons revenue while undercutting compliance costs. The ACMA says more than 230 illegal services have pulled out of the Australian market since it began enforcing the tighter regime, evidence that sustained pressure can move operators even when blocking is imperfect.
What happens next
The ACMA reviews services on an ongoing basis and typically adds new blocking requests every few weeks, so further lists are likely through the second half of 2026. The regulator also urges consumers to check its register of licensed operators before depositing, and continues to refer the most serious cases for additional action. The approach mirrors a wider tightening across regulated markets, from the United Kingdom to Ireland’s incoming GRAI licensing regime. With blocked totals now past 1,751, the direction of travel is clear: Australia intends to keep raising the cost of doing business for unlicensed offshore sites.
FAQ
Q: How many illegal gambling sites has the ACMA blocked?
A: 1,751 since the website-blocking regime began in 2019, after the latest order covering 12 more sites in late June 2026.
Q: Are these sites legal in Australia?
A: No. None holds an Australian licence, and they were offering products to Australians in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act.
Q: Does blocking stop access completely?
A: Not entirely. Domain-level blocking bars casual access, but mirror sites can reappear, which is why the ACMA issues new lists regularly.
This article is informational only and does not constitute betting or financial advice.
Gambling carries financial risk and can be addictive. If you or someone you know needs help, visit GamCare (UK), call 1-800-GAMBLER (US), or see our Responsible Gambling page.
