Gaming sites banned in AU: how to distinguish

1) Who blocks sites in Australia and how

The main regulator is ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority).
ACMA maintains a register of prohibited operators and sends blocking orders to Internet providers.
The blocking concerns unlicensed casinos, bookmakers and lotteries that violate the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.

2) The main reasons for the ban

Absence of a license or violation of its terms.
Provision of services prohibited for Australian operators (for example, online slots without a license).
Fraudulent activity, non-payment of winnings.
Non-compliant gambling advertising.

3) How to check if a site is blocked

1. Go to the official ACMA website in the "Register of Prohibited Online Gambling Services" section.
2. Enter the address or name of the casino in the search.
3. Check the current status (active prohibition or deletion from the list).

4) Signs of a banned casino

Missing or false license information.
Attempt to hide country of registration.
Using alternative domains, mirrors and VPN ads.
Anonymous or little-known methods of replenishment and withdrawal of funds.
Unrealistic bonuses and promotions with deliberately impracticable conditions.

5) Risks of playing on prohibited sites

Loss of deposit and winnings without the possibility of a refund.
Identity theft.
Lack of legal protection and inability to complain to the regulator.
Possible blocking of transactions by banks and payment systems.

6) How to avoid playing on prohibited platforms

Before registering, check the license in official registers.
Check the site with the ACMA registry.
Use only licensed casinos recommended by independent sources.
Check license and owner update date.

7) Case study

An Adelaide player discovered a casino with aggressive ads on social media. An ACMA registry check showed that the site was included in the list of prohibited winnings for non-payment. The choice in favor of a licensed alternative avoided the loss of funds.

8) Checklist for recognizing prohibited sites

The site is not listed on the ACMA registry.
You have specified a valid license.
There are no suspicious mirrors or hidden domains.
Proven payment systems are used.
Bonus terms are transparent and doable.

Bottom line: knowing the signs of banned gaming sites and regularly checking the ACMA registry helps Australian players avoid fraud and save their funds. Choosing a licensed casino is a key step towards a safe and secure game.