ACMA and site blocking: how it works
1) Introduction
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is the key regulator overseeing compliance with the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA) and is responsible for removing and blocking illegal sites, including online casinos hosting Australian unlicensed gamblers. Blocking is one of the main tools to combat violators, aimed at protecting consumers and preventing access to prohibited services.
2) Grounds for blocking ACMA site
A site can be blacklisted by ACMA if:
3) Process of identifying violators
1. Market Monitoring - ACMA regularly reviews sites targeting Australian players.
2. Receipt of a complaint - a player or organization can file an appeal through the official ACMA website.
3. Verification and investigation - analysis of site activities, license, accessibility for Australians.
4. Adjudication - if the site violates laws, it is listed for blocking.
4) How lockdown works
ACMA sends notifications to Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in Australia to block the domain.
Blocking is carried out at the DNS, IP or URL level.
Sometimes full blocking of mirrors and related domains is used.
Providers are required to complete the lock on time.
5) Consequences for players
Unable to access site from Australian IP.
Risk of loss of funds remaining in the account if the casino is blocked before the withdrawal of winnings.
Inability to claim compensation from an illegal operator.
When using VPN - increased legal risks and lack of protection of rights.
6) How to check if a site is blocked
The official ACMA website has an up-to-date registry of blocked domains.
You can use the search function by domain or brand.
The list is updated regularly, including new mirrors.
7) Lock method limitations
Technically experienced users can bypass the lock using a VPN or proxy.
The ACMA cannot directly compel a foreign operator to cease operations - only restrict access from Australia.
Some casinos create new mirrors, requiring ACMA to re-lock.
8) Value of locks for player safety
Warn inexperienced users about the illegal status of the site.
Reduce the risk of getting into fraudulent schemes.
Support the legitimate gambling market in Australia.
9) Withdrawal
The ACMA enforces the lock as a tool to protect Australian gamblers from illegal and potentially dangerous online casinos. The mechanism is based on the IGA law and is implemented through interaction with providers. It is important for players to check the legality of the casino prior to registration and keep track of the list of blocked domains to avoid financial losses and legal problems.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is the key regulator overseeing compliance with the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA) and is responsible for removing and blocking illegal sites, including online casinos hosting Australian unlicensed gamblers. Blocking is one of the main tools to combat violators, aimed at protecting consumers and preventing access to prohibited services.
2) Grounds for blocking ACMA site
A site can be blacklisted by ACMA if:
- Provides online gambling services prohibited by IGA (for example, online casinos, online poker, unauthorized lotteries).
- It operates without a licence recognised in Australia.
- Violates gambling advertising terms (e.g. targeting Australians without permission).
- Refuses to cooperate with the regulator when requested.
3) Process of identifying violators
1. Market Monitoring - ACMA regularly reviews sites targeting Australian players.
2. Receipt of a complaint - a player or organization can file an appeal through the official ACMA website.
3. Verification and investigation - analysis of site activities, license, accessibility for Australians.
4. Adjudication - if the site violates laws, it is listed for blocking.
4) How lockdown works
ACMA sends notifications to Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in Australia to block the domain.
Blocking is carried out at the DNS, IP or URL level.
Sometimes full blocking of mirrors and related domains is used.
Providers are required to complete the lock on time.
5) Consequences for players
Unable to access site from Australian IP.
Risk of loss of funds remaining in the account if the casino is blocked before the withdrawal of winnings.
Inability to claim compensation from an illegal operator.
When using VPN - increased legal risks and lack of protection of rights.
6) How to check if a site is blocked
The official ACMA website has an up-to-date registry of blocked domains.
You can use the search function by domain or brand.
The list is updated regularly, including new mirrors.
7) Lock method limitations
Technically experienced users can bypass the lock using a VPN or proxy.
The ACMA cannot directly compel a foreign operator to cease operations - only restrict access from Australia.
Some casinos create new mirrors, requiring ACMA to re-lock.
8) Value of locks for player safety
Warn inexperienced users about the illegal status of the site.
Reduce the risk of getting into fraudulent schemes.
Support the legitimate gambling market in Australia.
9) Withdrawal
The ACMA enforces the lock as a tool to protect Australian gamblers from illegal and potentially dangerous online casinos. The mechanism is based on the IGA law and is implemented through interaction with providers. It is important for players to check the legality of the casino prior to registration and keep track of the list of blocked domains to avoid financial losses and legal problems.
