Australian Regulator Targets 10 Illegal Gambling Sites in Latest Crackdown
2026-07-16
Source: Global Gaming Insider
ACMA has ordered ISPs to block 10 unlicensed gambling sites, including a clone of LightningBet, bringing total blocks to 1,774 since 2019. The regulator also warns consumers about risks of offshore sites and highlights recent enforcement actions.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has directed internet service providers to restrict access to ten more unlicensed gambling and affiliate websites, continuing its campaign against offshore operators.
An investigation by the regulator determined that the platforms violated the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. Among those targeted is Lightning-bet.com, which ACMA identified as a clone of the legitimate LightningBet wagering service. The other affected sites are Zizobet, KingAUD, Lucky Vibe, Daily Spins, Gambiva, Hot Pokies Group, Pokies99, Betcoin, and TenoBet.
Website blocking has been a key enforcement tool since ACMA's first such request in November 2019. To date, 1,774 illegal gambling and affiliate sites have been blocked. The regulator also noted that more than 230 unlicensed services have exited the Australian market since stronger measures were introduced in 2017.
ACMA continues to caution consumers that unregulated gambling sites often lack the protections mandated for licensed operators. Players using these platforms may face risks such as no dispute resolution mechanisms and potential loss of deposited funds. The authority advises bettors to consult its online register before wagering to confirm an operator's licence status.
This action follows a series of recent ACMA enforcement activities. In June 2026, another blocking round brought the total to 1,751 websites. The regulator also issued a formal warning to MMA fighter Jamie Mullarkey for promoting an illegal gambling operator on Instagram, ruled against SBS for breaching gambling ad restrictions during its Tour de France coverage, and released its Q1 2026 enforcement report detailing 25 investigations into gambling websites.