Australian media watchdog reports stricter enforcement of interactive gambling safeguards | AGB
Summary
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) says it has shifted from education to active enforcement on interactive gambling safeguards in its 2024–25 compliance report. The regulator opened and closed 10 investigations during the period and targeted enforcement at National Self-Exclusion Register (NSER) compliance, the new ban on credit cards and digital currencies for online wagering, and disruption of illegal offshore operators.
Key enforcement outcomes included a AU$1 million penalty and two-year enforceable undertaking for Betchoice, 18-month undertakings for Ultrabet and PointsBet, a remedial direction to ReadyBet, and formal warnings to Topbet and Vicbet. The NSER had nearly 45,000 exclusions by 30 June 2025.
Following the payment bans (effective 11 June 2024) ACMA reported very high industry compliance and a successful consumer awareness push. A March 2025 desktop review identified 50 licensed wagering services still referencing prohibited payment methods in their terms; all removed those references by 30 June 2025.
ACMA also expanded disruption measures against illegal offshore services: roughly 220 illegal services have exited the Australian market since expanded enforcement started. New tools include the Fintel Alliance Micro-Laundering and Illegal Gambling project with AUSTRAC, new procedures for reporting illegal content to hosts, registrars and social platforms, engagement with software providers to block content in restricted jurisdictions, and more targeted website-blocking activity.
Key Points
- ACMA has increased enforcement activity on NSER compliance and illegal offshore gambling disruption.
- The NSER had almost 45,000 self-exclusions as of 30 June 2025, signalling significant uptake.
- Betchoice was fined AU$1 million and required to undertake an independent systems and training review.
- Ultrabet and PointsBet accepted 18-month enforceable undertakings; ReadyBet received a remedial direction; Topbet and Vicbet got formal warnings.
- High compliance reported with the ban on credit cards, credit-related products and cryptocurrencies for wagering (ban started 11 June 2024).
- A March 2025 T&C review found 50 providers referencing banned payment methods; all removed references by end of June 2025.
- About 220 illegal offshore gambling services have exited Australia since enforcement was expanded; ACMA introduced new disruption tools and partner projects with AUSTRAC and others.
- ACMA engaged 63 software providers; many committed to geo-blocking or removing content from illegal sites.
Why should I read this?
Short version: if you work in or with online wagering in Australia (or sell software/content to operators), this is a wake-up call. ACMA has stopped just telling people what to do and is now using real teeth — fines, enforceable undertakings, T&C sweeps and tougher anti-offshore tactics. If you aren’t checking your payment flows, self-exclusion processes and content geo-blocking, you should be.
Author’s take
Punchy and to the point: regulators are moving fast. For operators, tech suppliers and partners, non-compliance now carries material financial and operational risk. For compliance teams, this report should sit at the top of your to-do list.