Interactive Gambling Act sees renewed focus as ACMA targets unlicensed operators, illegal ads, and skin gambling networks
ACMA Releases Q2 2025 Report on Gambling Law Enforcement
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has published its latest figures on gambling regulation enforcement, highlighting an increasingly proactive approach in the fight against illegal online gambling. Between April and June 2025, ACMA investigated 292 submissions under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA), out of a total of 330 complaints and enquiries received during the quarter.
This equates to an average of 3.6 submissions per day, with June emerging as the busiest month (121), followed by May (111) and April (98).
Key Offenders: Skin Gambling Sites, Unlicensed Platforms, and Repeat Offenders
ACMA launched 20 investigations targeting 24 websites, with many operators offering unlicensed gambling services or breaching advertising regulations. In total, 30 breaches of the IGA were recorded. These included:
16 banned gambling services
12 unlicensed providers
2 illegal advertisements
Ten formal warnings were issued, including to platforms like Hollycorn, Nava, and Best Aussie Pokies—a trio known for circumventing local licensing requirements. Two skin gambling sites—Gamusoft and Moontain—were also warned. These platforms facilitated wagering on virtual items (or “skins”) from video games like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO).
Skin gambling allows users to bet in-game cosmetic items, such as weapon skins, either in roulette-style games or directly on esports outcomes. It’s a grey market that poses serious risks for underage users and has been a rising concern for regulators.
Digital Deception: 73 Websites Blocked, Including Dupes
During the quarter, 73 websites were blocked for IGA violations. ACMA noted that some were duplicates—cloned sites deliberately created to evade prior enforcement measures. These often mimic domains previously shut down, allowing bad actors to quickly return online and target Australian users.
This reflects a larger trend of “cat-and-mouse tactics” between unlicensed gambling operators and regulators. Many websites rely on fast-moving digital infrastructures, offshore hosting, and aggressive remarketing to stay active, making continuous monitoring essential.
Enforcement Gaps: No Referrals to Home Affairs
Interestingly, there were no referrals to the Department of Home Affairs for inclusion on the Movement Alert List, which prevents key individuals tied to illegal gambling operations from entering or leaving Australia. This was the only enforcement category with zero actions in Q2 2025, suggesting ACMA focused primarily on digital assets and not on cross-border travel restrictions.
Regulatory Implications and Ongoing Challenges
ACMA’s Q2 update underscores a sustained crackdown on illegal and unlicensed online gambling, reflecting broader regulatory trends across the Asia-Pacific region. With digital gambling on the rise, enforcement bodies like ACMA face growing pressure to adapt to evolving technologies, including:
Decentralized platforms
Cryptocurrency-based gambling
Esports and skin betting networks
ACMA’s firm response highlights Australia’s intent to maintain a safe and regulated digital gambling environment, especially as new forms of gambling and virtual economies blur the lines between gaming and wagering.
Final Thoughts
While ACMA’s actions are commendable, the numbers also reveal the sheer scale and persistence of illegal gambling platforms. As more Australians engage with online gaming and esports, the need for robust digital oversight, better user education, and platform accountability will continue to grow. Regulatory frameworks must evolve in tandem with technology, or risk being outpaced by an industry that thrives on innovation—and evasion.
