ACMA — Australian Communications and Media Authority

What is ACMA?

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is an independent statutory authority established under the Australian Communications and Media Authority Act 2005. ACMA is responsible for regulating broadcasting, telecommunications, radiocommunications, and online content in Australia — including online gambling and pokies.

In the context of online gambling, ACMA enforces the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA), which sets out the rules for providing interactive gambling services to Australians. Their primary focus is protecting Australian consumers from unlicensed and potentially harmful gambling operators, including illegal online pokies sites.

ACMA's Role in Online Gambling

Investigating complaints about illegal gambling services including online pokies
Blocking access to illegal offshore gambling and pokies websites
Taking enforcement action against operators who breach Australian law
Working with internet service providers (ISPs) to implement website blocks
Educating Australians about legal and illegal gambling options
Coordinating with international regulators and law enforcement

The Interactive Gambling Act 2001

The Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA) is the cornerstone of Australia's online gambling regulation.

What the IGA Prohibits

Providing online pokies, table games, and live dealer games to Australian residents
Offering online poker to Australians (since 2017 amendments)
Providing in-play sports betting online (live betting during events)
Advertising prohibited gambling services to Australians

What the IGA Allows

Online sports betting (pre-match) with licensed Australian operators
Online lottery services from licensed providers
Online wagering on racing (horses, greyhounds, harness)
Daily fantasy sports (with certain conditions)

Important Clarification

The IGA targets operators, not individual players. Australian residents are not penalised for accessing offshore pokies sites. The law focuses on preventing operators from offering services, not punishing consumers who use them.

ACMA Enforcement Statistics

Key figures from ACMA's enforcement activities since November 2019

Metric	Figure	Details
Websites Blocked	1,000+	Pokies, poker, and other illegal gambling sites
Annual Investigations	500+	Complaints and proactive enforcement
Max Daily Penalty	$1.85M	Per day, per operator
ISP Cooperation	All Major	Australian ISPs compliant

Website Blocking Powers

Since November 2019, ACMA has had the power to request that Australian internet service providers block access to illegal gambling websites, including online pokies sites. This process works as follows:

ACMA identifies a website offering illegal gambling services to Australians
ACMA issues a "website-blocking request" to major Australian ISPs
ISPs are required to block access to the specified website within a set timeframe
Blocked sites are added to ACMA's register of prohibited gambling websites

Limitations of Website Blocking

Blocks can often be bypassed using VPN services
Operators may create new domains or mirror sites
Some offshore pokies operators continue to accept Australian players despite blocks
DNS-level blocks may not catch all access methods

How ACMA Protects Players

Reducing Exposure to Unlicensed Operators

Unlicensed offshore pokies sites may not adhere to responsible gambling standards, fair gaming practices, or player fund protection. By blocking these sites, ACMA reduces the risk of Australians falling victim to unscrupulous operators.

Enforcing Responsible Gambling Standards

Licensed Australian betting operators must comply with strict responsible gambling requirements, including:

Deposit limits and cooling-off periods
Self-exclusion options (National Self-Exclusion Register)
Prohibition of credit betting
Warning messages and responsible gambling resources
Staff training on problem gambling identification

Advertising Restrictions

No gambling ads during live sports broadcasts (until conclusion)
No gambling ads during children's programming
Required responsible gambling messages in all advertising
Restrictions on inducements and bonus promotions

ACMA vs. State/Territory Regulators

Level	Body	Scope	Key Powers
Federal	ACMA	Online gambling nationally	Website blocks & penalties
State/Territory	Local Regulators	Land-based & licensed online	Licence revocation & audits

State and Territory Gambling Authorities

NSW: Liquor & Gaming NSW
VIC: Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC)
QLD: Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR)
WA: Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries
SA: Consumer and Business Services (CBS)
TAS: Tasmanian Liquor and Gaming Commission
NT: Northern Territory Racing Commission
ACT: ACT Gambling and Racing Commission

The Future of Online Gambling Regulation

National Self-Exclusion Register: BetStop launched in 2023, allowing players to self-exclude from all licensed Australian wagering operators
Enhanced advertising restrictions: Ongoing debates about further limiting gambling advertising
Potential licensing reforms: Discussions about whether to license online pokies rather than prohibit them
Stronger payment blocking: Working with banks to prevent transactions with illegal operators

Contact ACMA

Website: www.acma.gov.au
Phone: 1300 850 115
Online complaints: acma.gov.au/report-or-complaint
Post: PO Box 78, Belconnen ACT 2616

Related Resources

Gambling Help Online: gamblinghelponline.org.au — 1800 858 858
BetStop National Register: betstop.gov.au
Department of Social Services: dss.gov.au/gambling
Financial Counselling Australia: 1800 007 007

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it illegal to play online pokies at offshore sites in Australia?

No. The Interactive Gambling Act targets operators, not players. While it's illegal for offshore sites to offer online pokies to Australians, individual players are not prosecuted for using these sites. However, playing at unlicensed sites means you have no consumer protections under Australian law.

Can I use a VPN to access blocked gambling sites?

While VPNs can technically bypass ACMA's website blocks, doing so comes with risks. You may violate the site's terms of service, which could result in account closure or withheld winnings. Additionally, you lose any consumer protections available to players in licensed jurisdictions.

Why doesn't Australia license online pokies?

Australia's current policy aims to protect consumers from online gambling harm by limiting availability. The government has historically viewed online pokies and casino games as higher-risk than sports betting. However, there are ongoing discussions about whether regulated licensing might better protect players than prohibition.

What happens if a blocked site has my money?

This is a significant risk of playing at unlicensed offshore pokies sites. ACMA cannot help recover funds from blocked operators. You may still be able to access your account via VPN to withdraw, but this isn't guaranteed. Licensed operators in regulated jurisdictions typically have player fund protections — unlicensed ones do not.

How do I know if a gambling site is legal in Australia?

Legal online gambling services in Australia are limited to sports betting, racing, and lotteries with operators licensed by Australian state/territory authorities. Look for Australian licensing information (e.g., Northern Territory Racing Commission). If a site offers online pokies or table games to Australians, it's operating illegally under the IGA.

Can ACMA block cryptocurrency gambling sites?

Yes. ACMA's website-blocking powers apply to all illegal gambling sites, regardless of payment methods. Crypto pokies sites targeting Australians are subject to the same enforcement actions as traditional online pokies sites. Several cryptocurrency gambling sites have already been blocked by ACMA.