Regulatory Action on Unlawful Betting Sites: 8 Additional Platforms Restricted by ACMA
In a significant move to protect Australians from the risks associated with unlicensed gambling, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has intensified its crackdown on illegal online gambling activities, particularly focusing on social media influencers.
The ACMA's latest development involves a high-profile warning and enforcement focus on social media influencers as key facilitators of illegal online gambling. Influencers found promoting illegal online gambling can face fines up to AU$59,400 for acts such as live streaming or direct promotion. Those who facilitate access to illegal sites by sharing links or directing followers to unlicensed platforms risk civil penalties up to AU$2.5 million.
The crackdown is grounded in the Interactive Gambling Act 2001, which permits only licensed operators to offer online sports betting and certain lotteries; all other online gambling forms including casino games like pokies, blackjack, and in-play sports betting remain illegal.
Since November 2019, the ACMA has blocked a total of 975 unlicensed gambling websites and requested internet service providers (ISPs) to restrict access to these sites within the Australian market. Approximately 221 unlicensed gambling businesses have voluntarily retracted their operations from the Australian market due to ACMA's enforcement.
The ACMA's aim is to steer Australians away from the risks associated with unlicensed gambling and to mitigate the broader social impacts associated with gambling addiction. The authority's efforts are also aimed at reducing financial losses incurred by individuals due to unlicensed gambling. According to recent statistics, the average Australian incurs approximately AU$1850 ($1200/€1210) in gambling losses annually.
The ACMA's latest actions are a testament to its commitment to safeguarding Australian users from unregulated gambling and fostering a safer digital environment for Australians. The long-term effects of the ACMA's initiative on the landscape of online gambling in Australia are yet to be seen, but the authority's approach is comprehensive, combining regulatory enforcement with public awareness.
This crackdown reflects ACMA's increasing vigilance against illegal gambling activities in digital spaces, particularly where social media marketing can drive access to unlicensed platforms. No recent changes in legislation were noted, but enforcement and penalties against promoters are being actively emphasized.
While the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) is also expanding consumer protection laws targeting deceptive digital practices and platform accountability, the specific ACMA focus remains on unlicensed gambling promotion by influencers.
This crackdown is part of a broader global trend of regulating digital harm, including illegal gambling content, with other countries also removing vast numbers of harmful posts linked to unlicensed gambling.
In a recent development, the ACMA has blocked eight additional unlicensed gambling websites, reiterating its ongoing efforts to proactively block access to unregulated gambling sites and protect Australian users from the pitfalls of unregulated gambling.
- Affiliate marketers promoting illegal online casino-games, lotteries, and casino-and-gambling sites could face fines up to AU$59,400 for their promotion activities.
- The ACMA's efforts to mitigate the risks associated with unlicensed gambling extend beyond the enforcement of unlicensed operators, as general-news outlets and even crime-and-justice forums disseminating information about such activities may also face scrutiny.
- As the ACMA's crackdown on illegal online gambling gains momentum, there is growing potential for affiliate marketing promotions focusing on gambling addiction prevention strategies and general responsible gambling guidelines to gain traction, providing Australians with balanced and safe online gambling alternatives.
