Fines for illegal slot activities
In Australia, online real-money slots are banned by the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA). The law provides for serious fines for operators and intermediaries providing or advertising illegal services. Liability applies to both local and offshore companies if they are purposefully working with Australian players.
1. Penalties for operators
For providing illegal online slots: up to 2.22 million AUD per day of violation for companies and up to 444,000 AUD per day for individuals.
For advertising prohibited services: similar fines, even if the game itself is offered from a server outside Australia.
For repeated violations: an increase in the amount, the possible initiation of a criminal case in especially large cases.
2. Responsibility of intermediaries
Payment systems, hosting providers and advertising agencies can be held accountable if they facilitate the work of an illegal operator.
ACMA has the authority to issue official violation notifications and require blocking access to resources.
3. International operators
IGA violations also apply to companies abroad if they target Australian players (presence of AUD, advertising in the Australian market, localized interface).
ACMA transfers data on violators to foreign regulators and initiates site blocking in Australia.
4. Additional actions
Domain blocking is a mandatory measure in case of refusal to terminate activities.
Restricting payment channels - working with banks and fintech companies to prevent transfers to the accounts of violators.
Publication in the "black list" of ACMA - information about the offender becomes public and is regularly updated.
5. Examples of fines
In 2023, the offshore operator received a fine of 13.2 million AUD for many months of providing access to slots to Australian users.
In 2024, the ACMA imposed an AUD 2.22 million fine on the company for an advertising campaign targeting players in NSW and Queensland.
6. Risks for players
While the IGA does not impose penalties on individuals for participating in the game, banks can block transactions, and players lose legal protection in the event of disputes or non-payment of winnings.
Final conclusion
Fines for illegal online slot activity in Australia are among the highest in the world. ACMA actively applies financial and technical measures to curb violations, and international cooperation increases pressure on offshore operators.
1. Penalties for operators
For providing illegal online slots: up to 2.22 million AUD per day of violation for companies and up to 444,000 AUD per day for individuals.
For advertising prohibited services: similar fines, even if the game itself is offered from a server outside Australia.
For repeated violations: an increase in the amount, the possible initiation of a criminal case in especially large cases.
2. Responsibility of intermediaries
Payment systems, hosting providers and advertising agencies can be held accountable if they facilitate the work of an illegal operator.
ACMA has the authority to issue official violation notifications and require blocking access to resources.
3. International operators
IGA violations also apply to companies abroad if they target Australian players (presence of AUD, advertising in the Australian market, localized interface).
ACMA transfers data on violators to foreign regulators and initiates site blocking in Australia.
4. Additional actions
Domain blocking is a mandatory measure in case of refusal to terminate activities.
Restricting payment channels - working with banks and fintech companies to prevent transfers to the accounts of violators.
Publication in the "black list" of ACMA - information about the offender becomes public and is regularly updated.
5. Examples of fines
In 2023, the offshore operator received a fine of 13.2 million AUD for many months of providing access to slots to Australian users.
In 2024, the ACMA imposed an AUD 2.22 million fine on the company for an advertising campaign targeting players in NSW and Queensland.
6. Risks for players
While the IGA does not impose penalties on individuals for participating in the game, banks can block transactions, and players lose legal protection in the event of disputes or non-payment of winnings.
Final conclusion
Fines for illegal online slot activity in Australia are among the highest in the world. ACMA actively applies financial and technical measures to curb violations, and international cooperation increases pressure on offshore operators.
