Australia steps up the fight against illegal online gambling

Australia’s battle against illegal online gambling is heating up, with the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) ordering internet service providers to block four more rogue websites: Megabet Prize, Mega Medusa, TF2Royal, and Casino Intense.

These platforms, found in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001, are the latest additions to a growing blacklist designed to shield Australians from unregulated betting and gaming.

Since kicking off its blocking campaign in 2019, ACMA has restricted access to 1,210 illegal gambling and affiliate sites, a staggering number that reveals just how persistent offshore operators have become.

The regulator’s efforts don’t stop at website blocks; since 2017, about 220 illegal services have exited the Australian market entirely, a testament to the pressure ACMA continues to apply.

ACMA warns that even slick-looking sites can leave bettors exposed, lacking basic customer protections and putting their funds at risk.

Casino Intense, for example, is run by a Belize-based company licensed in Curaçao, while TF2Royal is known for its skin betting, a controversial practice often linked to unregulated markets in the esports gambling scene.

This latest move comes as online gambling remains a hot-button issue in Australia’s political landscape. With a federal election looming, parties are pledging tougher regulations, from establishing a national gambling watchdog to banning gambling ads during live sports.

For now, the Australian Communications and Media Authority urges Australians to verify the legitimacy of any online gambling service before placing a bet. As the regulator ramps up enforcement, the message is clear that the days of easy access to offshore gambling sites in Australia are numbered, and the risks of ignoring the rules have never been higher.