ACMA and YouTube/social media with casino ads - legality
The Australian Communications and Media Commission (ACMA) strictly controls the distribution of gambling content on the Internet in accordance with the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 and related advertising laws. This applies not only to online casino operators, but also bloggers, media platforms and social networks such as YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitch.
1. Legislative framework
Interactive Gambling Act 2001 prohibits advertising of unlicensed online casinos available to Australian players.
The ban applies to any content aimed at an audience in Australia, regardless of where the creator lives.
The law covers direct advertising, hidden integration, affiliate links and sponsorship mentions.
2. ACMA's position on YouTube and social media
Platforms are required to block or remove content that violates the rules.
Promoting offshore and unlicensed casinos through streams, reviews or direct links is considered a violation.
ACMA actively interacts with large media outlets to identify and remove prohibited materials.
3. Liability for violation
For casino operators: heavy fines, blacklisting and domain blocking.
For content makers: fines of up to hundreds of thousands of AUDs for proven intentional promotion of illegal services.
For platforms: the obligation to provide data on advertisers and channels, and in case of systematic violations - the risk of legal sanctions.
4. Differentiating Between Ads and Content
Advertising: direct links, bonus codes, calls for registration, mention of deposit bonuses.
Informational content: neutral reviews of gambling without direct promotion of prohibited operators.
Even informational materials can be blocked if they indirectly stimulate the game at an unlicensed operator.
5. How to legally promote casinos in Australia
Only work with ACMA licensed operators.
Exclude direct links to prohibited sites and offshore platforms.
Specify disclaimers and age restrictions (18 +).
Check that the content meets the standards of responsible play.
Conclusion
Advertising unlicensed online casinos on YouTube and social media aimed at Australian audiences violates laws and is subject to ACMA sanctions. For bloggers and companies, the key to legitimate activities is cooperation only with licensed operators and strict control of advertising integrations.
1. Legislative framework
Interactive Gambling Act 2001 prohibits advertising of unlicensed online casinos available to Australian players.
The ban applies to any content aimed at an audience in Australia, regardless of where the creator lives.
The law covers direct advertising, hidden integration, affiliate links and sponsorship mentions.
2. ACMA's position on YouTube and social media
Platforms are required to block or remove content that violates the rules.
Promoting offshore and unlicensed casinos through streams, reviews or direct links is considered a violation.
ACMA actively interacts with large media outlets to identify and remove prohibited materials.
3. Liability for violation
For casino operators: heavy fines, blacklisting and domain blocking.
For content makers: fines of up to hundreds of thousands of AUDs for proven intentional promotion of illegal services.
For platforms: the obligation to provide data on advertisers and channels, and in case of systematic violations - the risk of legal sanctions.
4. Differentiating Between Ads and Content
Advertising: direct links, bonus codes, calls for registration, mention of deposit bonuses.
Informational content: neutral reviews of gambling without direct promotion of prohibited operators.
Even informational materials can be blocked if they indirectly stimulate the game at an unlicensed operator.
5. How to legally promote casinos in Australia
Only work with ACMA licensed operators.
Exclude direct links to prohibited sites and offshore platforms.
Specify disclaimers and age restrictions (18 +).
Check that the content meets the standards of responsible play.
Conclusion
Advertising unlicensed online casinos on YouTube and social media aimed at Australian audiences violates laws and is subject to ACMA sanctions. For bloggers and companies, the key to legitimate activities is cooperation only with licensed operators and strict control of advertising integrations.
