What is ACMA?
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is an independent Australian Government statutory authority responsible for regulating broadcasting, the internet, radiocommunications and telecommunications. In the context of online gambling, ACMA is the primary enforcement body tasked with implementing and enforcing the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA).
ACMA was established on 1 July 2005 through a merger of the Australian Broadcasting Authority (ABA) and the Australian Communications Authority (ACA). Its gambling enforcement powers were significantly strengthened in 2017 through amendments to the IGA that gave ACMA the ability to request website blocking and issue civil penalties.
For Australian pokies players, ACMA plays a dual role: it works to shut down illegal and unsafe gambling operations while also promoting responsible gambling frameworks and consumer protections. Understanding ACMA's role helps players make informed decisions about where they play.
The Interactive Gambling Act 2001
The Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA) is the primary piece of Commonwealth legislation governing online gambling in Australia. It was introduced to protect Australians from the harmful effects of online gambling and to prevent the proliferation of unregulated gambling services.
Key provisions of the IGA include:
- Prohibition on interactive gambling services — It is illegal for any person or company to provide interactive gambling services (including online pokies) to customers physically located in Australia, unless specifically authorised.
- Operator focus — The IGA targets operators and service providers, not individual players. Players are not criminalised for accessing offshore gambling services.
- Exemptions — Licensed sports betting (excluding in-play betting), lotteries and some forms of wagering operated by Australian state-licensed entities are exempt.
- 2017 amendments — The Interactive Gambling Amendment Act 2017 strengthened enforcement by introducing civil penalties, giving ACMA website blocking powers and requiring operators to hold Australian authorisation or face enforcement action.
ACMA Enforcement Actions
Since receiving enhanced powers in 2017, ACMA has taken significant enforcement action against illegal online gambling services targeting Australians. Here is an overview of the key enforcement tools ACMA uses:
Website Blocking Process
ACMA's website blocking process follows a structured procedure:
- Investigation — ACMA receives a complaint or identifies a suspected illegal gambling service through its own monitoring activities. It then conducts an investigation to determine whether the service breaches the IGA.
- Determination — If ACMA determines the service is prohibited, it makes a formal finding and records the service on its register of prohibited interactive gambling services.
- Notification — ACMA notifies the operator (where possible) and gives them an opportunity to voluntarily cease providing services to Australians.
- Blocking request — If the operator does not comply, ACMA issues a formal request to Australian ISPs to block access to the website. This is done under section 313 of the Telecommunications Act 1997.
- ISP implementation — ISPs must implement the block within 30 days of receiving the notice. Major ISPs including Telstra, Optus and TPG comply with all ACMA blocking requests.
- Ongoing monitoring — ACMA monitors for mirror sites and alternative domains used by blocked operators, issuing additional blocking orders as needed.
Player Protection Measures
Beyond enforcement against illegal operators, ACMA supports several player protection initiatives:
- BetStop — National Self-Exclusion Register — Launched in August 2023, BetStop allows Australians to voluntarily exclude themselves from all licensed online wagering services for a chosen period (3 months to lifetime). Licensed operators must check the register and close accounts of self-excluded persons.
- National Consumer Protection Framework — ACMA supports the implementation of national consumer protection measures including mandatory identity verification, activity statements, deposit limits and restrictions on inducements.
- Advertising restrictions — ACMA enforces rules on gambling advertising during live sport broadcasts and restricts bonus and incentive advertising to prevent targeting of vulnerable persons.
- Complaint handling — Australians can report suspected illegal gambling services to ACMA through its website. All complaints are investigated and acted upon.
State and Territory Gambling Regulators
While ACMA handles federal online gambling enforcement, each Australian state and territory has its own gambling regulator for land-based and locally licensed services:
| State / Territory | Regulator | Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | Liquor & Gaming NSW | Pokies venues, casinos, racing, lotteries |
| VIC | Victorian Gambling & Casino Control Commission | Gaming machines, Crown Melbourne, wagering |
| QLD | Office of Liquor & Gaming Regulation | Casinos, pokies clubs, lotteries, racing |
| WA | Department of Local Government, Sport & Cultural Industries | Crown Perth, racing, lotteries (pokies banned outside casino) |
| SA | Consumer & Business Services | Adelaide Casino, pokies venues, betting |
| TAS | Tasmanian Liquor & Gaming Commission | Casinos, pokies, racing, lotteries |
| ACT | ACT Gambling & Racing Commission | Casino Canberra, pokies clubs, racing |
| NT | Northern Territory Racing Commission | Casinos, online wagering licences, racing |
It is worth noting that the Northern Territory is unique in that it licenses online wagering operators that serve all of Australia. Major brands like Sportsbet, Bet365 and Ladbrokes hold NT licences. However, these licences cover sports betting and racing only — online pokies and casino games remain prohibited under the IGA.
For a comprehensive list of offshore pokies sites that accept Australian players, see our homepage rankings which are updated weekly.