Australia Ponders Hindering Unauthorized Online Gambling Platforms via ISP Blocking
In a move aimed at safeguarding consumers and promoting responsible gambling, the Australian government has announced a series of changes to its online gambling laws. These measures, part of a larger strategy, are expected to give consumers more control and lessen the chance of financial trouble in the gambling industry.
The updates include the introduction of mandatory pre-commitment systems, a nationwide self-exclusion register, enhanced enforcement of spam and marketing laws, and updates to the National Consumer Protection Framework for Online Wagering.
Victoria led the way by requiring gamblers to set spending limits on electronic gaming machines (EGMs) from 2022, helping players manage their gambling expenditure. A nationwide self-exclusion register has also been introduced to prevent individuals who have self-excluded from accessing online and telephone-based gambling services, enhancing player protections across platforms.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has intensified enforcement against unsolicited gambling marketing, particularly targeting VIP gambling messaging without consent. Significant fines were imposed on major operators such as Betfair, Tabcorp, and PointsBet Australia in 2024–2025 for breaches including contacting self-excluded individuals and missing unsubscribe options.
ACMA is actively blocking hundreds of domains associated with illegal offshore gambling sites and issuing warnings to operators violating the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA). The IGA continues to govern online gambling, prohibiting real-money online casinos, in-play betting, and unlicensed wagering in Australia.
From February 6, 2025, Western Australia introduced new gambling penalties, infringements, and statutory requirements under the National Consumer Protection Framework for Online Wagering, reinforcing legal obligations for operators in that state.
These measures reflect a multi-faceted approach combining player protections, stronger marketing controls, enforcement against illegal operators, and enhanced compliance requirements for gambling providers. The aim is to better regulate online gambling and reduce harm to consumers in Australia.
The changes are designed to be implemented in a manner that still allows consumers to bet online. They are intended to impact both online gambling and unlicensed offshore sites. In-play sports betting loopholes are being shut down, and new restrictions are being introduced that would make financial institutions refuse transactions involving online gambling and unlicensed offshore sites.
The government's aim is to provide consumers with increased protection during online gambling, helping them avoid financial trouble related to gambling. The changes are expected to positively impact the gambling industry, as they are being made with the intention of positively impacting the industry and combating future problems.
With Australia experiencing a 15% annual growth in online gambling, these changes are a significant step towards ensuring a safer and more responsible online gambling environment for its citizens. The government continues to implement changes to combat issues in the gambling industry and protect consumers from the potential harm associated with unregulated online gambling.
- The updates to Australia's online gambling laws will introduce mandatory pre-commitment systems, a self-exclusion register, and enhancements to spam and marketing laws, aiming to provide consumers with more control and lessen financial trouble within the gambling industry.
- Victoria has led the way in these changes by requiring gamblers to set spending limits on electronic gaming machines from 2022, helping players manage their gambling expenditure and promoting casino-culture that emphasizes responsible gaming.
- The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has been enforcing strict measures against unsolicited gambling marketing, imposing significant fines on major operators for breaches related to self-excluded individuals and missing unsubscribe options, thus sanctioning casino-personalities who violate these regulations.
- In an effort to combat unregulated online gambling, the government plans to introduce new restrictions that would make financial institutions refuse transactions involving online gambling and unlicensed offshore sites, aiming to address gambling trends in the fintech industry and ensure the safety of casino-games offered online within Australia.
