Australia Bans Polymarket and Other Illegal Gambling Sites in Latest ACMA Enforcement

ACMA Expands ISP Blocking Orders Against Illegal Gambling Websites

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has taken decisive action against several unlicensed online gambling platforms, issuing new orders that prohibit access to these sites across Australia. This move follows an investigation revealing that these services violated the nation’s Interactive Gambling Act 2001.

Among the sites targeted with IP blocking by Australian internet service providers are Slot Mafia, Top Aussie Pokies, Polymarket, and Spinanga. The ACMA described this blocking as one of multiple enforcement strategies designed to shield Australian users from illegal gambling operations.

Since initiating its blocking efforts in 2019, the ACMA has successfully disabled access to over 1,200 illegal gambling operators and affiliate websites. Additionally, around 220 unauthorized gambling services voluntarily exited the Australian market in response to the agency’s strengthened regulations.

The authority has emphasized that online casinos, no matter how legitimate they might appear, are often unlawful and typically lack important player safeguards.

Polymarket Faces Ban Due to Regulatory Concerns

Polymarket, a unique crypto-based prediction market platform, stands out among the newly banned sites. Unlike traditional sports betting, Polymarket enables users to speculate on a wide range of future events, such as elections, sports outcomes, and legal rulings.

Prediction markets have gained popularity globally for their engaging format but have also attracted scrutiny from regulators, particularly in the United States. Despite the challenges, these platforms continue to expand due to the interactive experience they offer.

Polymarket recently faced criticism for introducing betting markets linked to the emerging trend of sex toy throwing incidents at WNBA games. Despite public backlash over this controversial offering, the platform opted not to remove those betting options, further intensifying regulatory and public concerns.