Australia Blocks More Illegal Gambling Sites, Total Reaches 1,850

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has ordered internet service providers to block three additional offshore gambling platforms: Gday77, SpinBet, and X4Bet. This action increases the total number of blocked gambling-related websites in Australia to 1,850 since November 2019.

What Happened

On November 12, 2026, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) announced it had instructed internet service providers to restrict access to Gday77, SpinBet, and X4Bet. This directive followed investigations that determined these services were operating in violation of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (iGaming Today). The ACMA highlighted that unlicensed operators pose risks to consumers, including potential financial losses and misuse of personal and identity information (iGaming Today).

The latest blocking requests are part of an ongoing enforcement campaign by Australian authorities against illegal online gambling. Since November 2019, the ACMA has targeted 1,850 illegal gambling and affiliate websites through blocking requests. This figure includes both gambling operators and websites promoting or directing customers to illegal services (iGaming Today).

In addition to website blocking, the regulator has recorded that over 230 illegal gambling services have withdrawn from the Australian market since stricter enforcement of online gambling rules began in 2017 (iGaming Today). The ACMA’s November announcement did not provide individual case histories for the three latest websites or disclose the number of Australian users affected by these new blocking requests (iGaming Today).

Key Details

• On November 12, 2026, the ACMA instructed internet service providers to block Gday77, SpinBet, and X4Bet for breaching the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (iGaming Today).
• The total number of gambling-related websites blocked by Australian authorities since November 2019 has reached 1,850 (iGaming Today).
• Over 230 illegal gambling services have reportedly withdrawn from the Australian market since stricter online gambling rule enforcement began in 2017 (iGaming Today).
• The ACMA warns that unlicensed operators carry risks such as financial losses and potential misuse of customers’ financial and identity information (iGaming Today).

Why It Matters

This ongoing regulatory action underscores the persistent challenge Australia faces with illegal online gambling, despite years of enforcement and numerous operators exiting the market (iGaming Today). The ACMA emphasizes that consumers may struggle to differentiate between licensed and illegal operators, as offshore platforms can appear legitimate while operating without the legal protections mandated for authorized businesses (iGaming Today).

The risks associated with unlicensed services extend beyond unsuccessful wagers, encompassing insecure handling of customer funds and potential identity fraud due to inadequate protection of sensitive personal information provided during registration (iGaming Today). The latest restrictions coincide with the International Association of Gambling Regulators’ first Illegal Gambling Awareness Week, aiming to improve consumer recognition of unregulated platforms (iGaming Today).

What’s Next

Australian authorities continue to encourage consumers to verify a wagering provider’s licensing status using the ACMA’s register before depositing money or submitting personal documents (iGaming Today). The regulator also provides resources for identifying illegal operators and reporting suspected breaches (iGaming Today). This approach combines website blocking with public education to mitigate the ongoing presence of illegal gambling platforms and their promotional networks (iGaming Today).