Australian regulator orders ISPs to block more illegal online gambling sites, including Polymarket

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has instructed internet providers to block additional illegal online gambling websites for breaching the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.

The latest sites targeted for blocking include Slot Mafia, Top Aussie Pokies, Polymarket, and Spinanga.

Website blocking is one of several enforcement measures aimed at protecting Australians from illegal gambling. Since ACMA issued its first blocking request in November 2019, a total of 1,296 illegal gambling and affiliate websites have been blocked.

Additionally, approximately 220 illegal services have exited the Australian market since new online gambling rules were introduced in 2017.

ACMA warned consumers that even websites that appear legitimate may lack critical customer protections. Australians using illegal gambling services risk losing their money.

To verify whether a wagering service is licensed to operate in Australia, users can consult the ACMA’s official register of licensed services. Further information on online gambling, including tips to protect yourself and instructions on how to report illegal sites, is available on the ACMA website.

Polymarket's ban is arguably the most notable inclusion in the latest list. The cryptocurrency prediction market platform is currently banned in several jurisdictions, including the US, France, Belgium, and Switzerland. Australia now joins this list.

In 2022, the company settled with the CFTC, with Polymarket agreeing to no longer target US users, although it was still possible to circumvent the site’s geo-blocking tech using a VPN. The business is now set to return to the US via a $112 million acquisition.