History of casino blocks in Australia
Blocking online casinos in Australia is a gambling market regulatory tool applied by the Australian Communications and Media Commission (ACMA) under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA). This measure is aimed at protecting players from unlicensed operators and ensuring compliance with national gambling standards.
1. Beginning of regulation (2001-2016)
In 2001, the IGA came into force, prohibiting the provision of most types of interactive gambling services to Australian players without a license.
Until 2016, ACMA did not have direct authority to technically block sites, the regulation was mainly legal and financial in nature.
Unlicensed operators often remained out of reach of Australian bodies while continuing to serve players.
2. Reform and strengthening measures (2017)
Amendments to the IGA in 2017 gave ACMA the authority to initiate site blocking at the ISP level.
A mechanism for directing Blocking Requests to Internet providers has appeared.
Introduced a duty for operators to hold an Australian licence to legally provide services.
3. Mass blockages (2019-2021)
Since November 2019, ACMA has begun actively using blocking powers.
In the first year of the mechanism, more than 90 sites were blocked, including large international brands.
Reasons for blocking: lack of a license, provision of prohibited types of games (for example, online slots), refusal to comply with the requirements for responsible play.
The locks were often accompanied by warnings to players about the risks of using unlicensed services.
4. Tightening control (2022-2023)
ACMA has established data sharing with overseas regulators and AUSTRAC to identify violators.
The number of blocked domains has exceeded 700.
Measures have begun to be taken against site mirrors and mobile applications that bypass locks.
In some cases, blockages were accompanied by fines and lawsuits against operators.
5. Modern stage (2024-2025)
For 2025, the practice of blocking has become systemic and affects all levels: domains, mirrors, mobile versions.
ACMA actively publishes lists of blocked sites, informing players of legal alternatives.
Unlicensed crypto casinos have come under special control due to the growth of anonymous transactions.
6. The main reasons for blocking casinos
No ACMA license.
Violation of the rules of responsible play.
Provision of prohibited products (virtual slot machines, online roulette).
Failure to comply with AML/CTF requirements.
Bypassing previous locks.
Conclusion
The history of casino lockdowns in Australia reflects a shift from formal prohibition to active technical and legal scrutiny. Today, ACMA takes an integrated approach - from blocking domains and mirrors to interacting with international regulators, which has significantly reduced the number of unlicensed operators in the Australian market.
1. Beginning of regulation (2001-2016)
In 2001, the IGA came into force, prohibiting the provision of most types of interactive gambling services to Australian players without a license.
Until 2016, ACMA did not have direct authority to technically block sites, the regulation was mainly legal and financial in nature.
Unlicensed operators often remained out of reach of Australian bodies while continuing to serve players.
2. Reform and strengthening measures (2017)
Amendments to the IGA in 2017 gave ACMA the authority to initiate site blocking at the ISP level.
A mechanism for directing Blocking Requests to Internet providers has appeared.
Introduced a duty for operators to hold an Australian licence to legally provide services.
3. Mass blockages (2019-2021)
Since November 2019, ACMA has begun actively using blocking powers.
In the first year of the mechanism, more than 90 sites were blocked, including large international brands.
Reasons for blocking: lack of a license, provision of prohibited types of games (for example, online slots), refusal to comply with the requirements for responsible play.
The locks were often accompanied by warnings to players about the risks of using unlicensed services.
4. Tightening control (2022-2023)
ACMA has established data sharing with overseas regulators and AUSTRAC to identify violators.
The number of blocked domains has exceeded 700.
Measures have begun to be taken against site mirrors and mobile applications that bypass locks.
In some cases, blockages were accompanied by fines and lawsuits against operators.
5. Modern stage (2024-2025)
For 2025, the practice of blocking has become systemic and affects all levels: domains, mirrors, mobile versions.
ACMA actively publishes lists of blocked sites, informing players of legal alternatives.
Unlicensed crypto casinos have come under special control due to the growth of anonymous transactions.
6. The main reasons for blocking casinos
No ACMA license.
Violation of the rules of responsible play.
Provision of prohibited products (virtual slot machines, online roulette).
Failure to comply with AML/CTF requirements.
Bypassing previous locks.
Conclusion
The history of casino lockdowns in Australia reflects a shift from formal prohibition to active technical and legal scrutiny. Today, ACMA takes an integrated approach - from blocking domains and mirrors to interacting with international regulators, which has significantly reduced the number of unlicensed operators in the Australian market.
