Tightening ACMA rules and local regulation

The material is included in "Trends in Australian Online Casinos: 2025 Survey."

1) The role of ACMA in market regulation

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is the main body overseeing online gambling in Australia. Since 2017, ACMA has been actively fighting illegal operators, but it was by 2025 that control became more stringent and targeted.

Key features of ACMA include:

• blocking unlicensed sites;
• restricting gambling advertising;
• control over bonus offers;
• protecting players from deception and unfair practices.

2) Major rule changes in 2025

In recent years, Australian regulation has become one of the strictest in the world. The new measures include:

• Mass site blocking. In 2024-2025, ACMA, together with Internet providers, blocks dozens of illegal casinos every month.
• Bonus limitation. Removed aggressive promotions like "deposit + 500%" and bonuses with impracticable wagering conditions.
• Ban on crypto operators without a license. Cryptocurrency casinos are required to comply with AML/KYC and operate only with an international license.
• Strict advertising requirements. Online casinos can no longer target young people and use misleading slogans.
• Expansion of collection powers. ACMA gained the right to impose fines not only on operators, but also on their affiliates.

3) Impact on operators and market

Small operators are leaving. Small unlicensed sites are massively closed or go into the gray zone.
Big brands are gaining ground. Casinos licensed by the MGA, Curaçao and other authoritative jurisdictions continue to operate with a focus on transparency.
Increased competition in the white segment. Companies are beginning to actively implement "clean" tools: honest bonuses, quick payments, certified games.
Players are becoming more selective. Australians are increasingly checking licenses and reviews before registering.

4) Local regulation and its specifics

Although Australia lacks its own online casino licensing system (online gambling is legally banned domestically), local regulation adds to the pressure:

• ACMA cooperates with foreign regulators (MGA, Curaçao, Gibraltar).
• Players are protected through blocking and control of advertising channels.
• "White lists" of operators working transparently and safely are created.

5) Future prospects

Strengthening control will continue, and in 2025-2026. the number of locks is expected to increase.
Casinos will be forced to introduce more responsible gambling tools: limits, self-locks, notifications.
The emergence of an Australian national certification system is possible, which will allow players to immediately see which sites have been verified.
Legal operators will gain a competitive advantage due to user confidence.

6) The bottom line

In 2025, the online gambling market in Australia is entering a new phase: ACMA sets the rules, and operators are forced to adapt to high standards of transparency and player protection. For players, this means less deception, for casinos - the need to work "in white."