Wagering compliance

How to report an illegal online gambling service to ACMA

ACMA accepts complaints about prohibited interactive gambling services. A submitted complaint is evidence of a report, not proof of a breach or a promised recovery outcome.

AU research deskEvidence reviewed 2 August 2026Evidence can change
Evidence classification

Verified regulator complaint process. A complaint remains an allegation unless and until an official finding is published.

At a glance

RecordWhat the official source says
Primary routeACMA interactive gambling complaint form for prohibited interactive gambling services
AlternativePostal complaint to the Manager, Interactive Gambling Team when the online form cannot be used
Separate formsGambling spam, broadcast advertising and streamed-sport advertising have different ACMA routes
Useful identityExact domain, service name, dates, transaction or marketing context and unedited records
Evidence boundarySubmission does not establish a contravention, compel repayment or determine a private dispute

Confirm what you are reporting

The ACMA form is for prohibited interactive gambling services, including gambling websites. It is not a universal customer-service desk. A withdrawal disagreement with a licensed wagering provider, an unwanted promotional text and an advertisement during streamed sport can require different routes. Start by naming the conduct, not by choosing the strongest label.

Identify the exact service

Record the full web address, including the domain suffix, and the date you accessed it. Lookalike domains matter: ACMA's June 2026 blocking release named sites that imitated licensed brands. A logo or trading name alone is not enough to show which service accepted an account or payment.

Preserve a clean evidence set

  • Full-page captures showing the URL and date.
  • Account or transaction references with passwords and full card numbers redacted.
  • Messages in their original sequence, including sender and timestamp.
  • Terms that applied when money was deposited or withdrawn.
  • A short chronology separating what happened from what you suspect.

Use the route that matches the conduct

ACMA links separately to complaints about gambling spam, TV or radio advertising and advertising during streamed sport. The interactive gambling form also lists a postal address for people unable to submit online. Do not file multiple characterisations of the same event simply to increase volume; explain the conduct once, accurately.

Understand the limit of a complaint

A report gives the regulator information to assess. It does not prove that an operator broke the law, guarantee website blocking or recover a personal balance. If a bank transaction was unauthorised, contact the financial institution promptly as well. If gambling is creating harm, use support and exclusion tools without waiting for a regulatory outcome.

How later findings should be described

If ACMA later publishes a blocking decision, warning, investigation report or penalty, cite that specific record and date. Keep the original allegation separate from the regulator's conclusion. Do not call a service fraudulent unless a competent source actually establishes fraud.

Official evidence trail

Sources checked 2 August 2026. Later official records or programme terms may change this account.