Our team regularly monitors announcements and press releases from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). During the period December 2024 – January 2025, the Australian media watchdog blocked nearly 10 online casino sites offering casino-style games to Australians without proper licensing.
ACMA sent formal warnings to Dama N.V. and Luster N.V. for operating these sites and catering specifically to the Aussie digital landscape through dedicated /au/ domains. The same casino companies run numerous other brands offshore in Curacao and Cyprus. The latest sites to be added to ACMA’s blocklist include:
- SpinsUp
- Rebellion Casino
- MoonWin
- Lucky Friends
- Golden Star Casino
- N1 Bet
- Lucky Ones
- Slottie
- Eddy Vegas
Since starting such measures in 2019, ACMA has blocked over 1100 websites offering online casino and betting services in Australia without proper licensing.
As always, their announcement included guidelines for players regarding the risks and dangers of engaging with unauthorised websites offering prohibited interactive gambling services.
Why is ACMA Taking Action Against Online Casino Operators?
The Interactive Gambling Act 2001 outlawed online gambling sites in Australia. Gaming companies continued to operate Down Under due to certain loopholes in the bill, which have been since addressed by the Government.
By 2017, all major online gambling providers had either left the market or opted for a local license under specific territorial provisions. Currently, only digital sports betting services are legal in Australia, when offered by licensed companies.
Having said that, hundreds of online casinos operating from offshore locations specifically target Australians. In most cases, they are unlicensed or approved by the Curacao Government, and host games by second-class providers like RealTime Gaming. Some companies though, see Rabidi N.V. and Dama N.V., have generated millions by creating modern gambling sites with thousands of games and catering specifically to Aussie players.
ACMA has been responsible for regulating the online gaming landscape and ensuring these online casinos aren’t accessible. One of their main weapons is ISP blocks, which make access to these websites harder while at the same time informing potential players.
Are Casino Blocks Effective?
ISP blocks do indeed take power away from online casino sites by restricting their reach. However, this solution isn’t permanent, and operators have found a way around it by re-launching under a similar domain.
ThePokies.net is an evident example of how small domain variations (thepokies1.net, thepokies62.net, etc.) bypass ACMA’s ISP blocks. Most Australians also use VPNs to access blocked sites without problems.
The infectiveness of these measures makes sites like Pokies Bet essential. We do not put all offshore online casinos in the same basket, and instead, analyse their services and inform readers about the gaming experience on offer.
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- About the Author
- Affiliate Disclosure
Michael has reviewed and verified all information on this page. Having worked in the iGaming industry for over 8 years, he is the most capable person to help you navigate online casinos, pokies, and the Australian gambling landscape.
