• Australia’s regulator ACMA has ordered ISPs to block nine more illegal gambling and affiliate websites.
• The new blocklist includes brands like Cashed, King Maker, and Spinight, plus two “copycat” sites.
• Investigators found fake sites mimicking licensed operators Next2Go and WizBet to mislead users.
• Since 2019, the ACMA has blocked 1,369 illegal sites and forced over 220 to exit the market.
• The regulator warned that these offshore sites lack consumer protections and financial transparency.

ACMA Targets 9 New Sites and Affiliate Portals

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has ordered internet service providers (ISPs) to block access to nine additional illegal gambling and affiliate websites. Investigations confirmed these platforms were operating in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.

The newly blocked brands include Cashed, King Maker, Posido, Spinight, Spinsy, The Pokies Reviews, and Topio Networks.

This latest enforcement action is part of a continuous crackdown. In October alone, the regulator targeted several other operators, including Crown Gold and Maxispin Casino, for similar violations. The ACMA utilises website blocking as a key tool to restrict access to prohibited services and reduce harm to Australian consumers.

Regulators Flag Danger of ‘Copycat’ Sites

Of particular concern in this latest wave of blocks was the discovery of two “imitation” websites: next2go-au.com and wizbet.app.

Investigators found these platforms were designed to mimic the branding and interface of legitimate, licensed Australian services Next2Go and WizBet. The regulator issued a specific warning regarding these copycat platforms, stating they pose heightened risks because they can easily mislead users into believing they are engaging with approved, regulated operators. By impersonating legal brands, these sites attempt to bypass the natural caution users might have towards unknown offshore entities.

Over 1,300 Sites Blocked Since 2019

The ACMA’s enforcement record has grown significantly since its first blocking request was made in November 2019. With these latest additions, the authority has now successfully blocked 1,369 illegal gambling and affiliate websites.

The regulator’s intensified focus follows the strengthening of online gambling rules in 2017. Beyond forced blocking, the ACMA’s pressure has resulted in over 220 illegal services voluntarily withdrawing from the Australian market to avoid further regulatory action. The authority describes its strategy as a “layered approach” involving investigations, formal warnings, website blocking, and cooperation with international regulators to shift offshore operators out of the Australian online environment.

Consumer Warnings on Offshore Risks

The ACMA continues to advise all Australian bettors to check the official register of licensed operators before depositing funds. The regulator reiterated that illegal gambling websites often lack essential consumer protections.

Many of the blocked offshore sites do not provide secure payment systems, clear complaint procedures, or responsible gambling safeguards. Because these operators fall outside Australia’s legal framework, customers have little to no recourse if funds are stolen or if disputes arise regarding payouts. The ACMA warned that even professional-looking platforms can be unsafe, as they are not subject to Australian standards on fairness, data protection, or financial transparency.

Expert Analysis: The Rise of the “Doppelgänger” Threat

While the blocking of standard offshore casinos is routine for the ACMA, the inclusion of “copycat” sites in this latest batch signals a more dangerous evolution in the black market.

Imitation sites like wizbet.app represent a shift from simple non-compliance to active fraud. These “doppelgänger” sites are not just trying to offer a service without a tax bill; they are phishing for credibility. By cloning the UI of a licensed Australian bookmaker, they weaponise the trust the regulated industry has built.

This presents a dual threat. For players, the risk is no longer just “unfair odds” but potential identity theft and total fund loss on a fake platform. For licensed operators, it is a brand integrity nightmare. This development validates the ACMA’s aggressive blocking strategy. While critics often argue that blocking is a “whack-a-mole” exercise, in the case of spoof sites, immediate IP blocking is the only effective way to neutralise a trap designed to snare unsuspecting users who think they are doing the right thing by betting locally.