The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has expanded its enforcement efforts against illegal online gambling platforms, issuing new blocking orders to internet service providers (ISPs) across the country. Among the latest sites targeted is Polymarket, a popular crypto-based prediction market, now officially banned in Australia.
ACMA Orders ISPs to Block Four Gambling Platforms
In its latest announcement, the ACMA confirmed it has directed ISPs to block access to four websites found to be operating in violation of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001:
- Slot Mafia
- Top Aussie Pokies
- Polymarket
- Spinanga
The regulator emphasized that these platforms—despite appearing legitimate—lack essential consumer protections and operate outside Australia’s legal framework.
“Website blocking is one of several enforcement tools we use to protect Australians from illegal gambling services,” the ACMA stated.
Enforcement Milestones
Since initiating its blocking program in 2019, the ACMA has:
- Blocked 1,296 illegal gambling and affiliate websites
- Prompted 220 offshore operators to voluntarily exit the Australian market
The agency reiterated that even well-designed platforms are considered illegal if they do not comply with national regulations, and are therefore unlikely to offer safeguards such as responsible gambling tools, secure transactions, or dispute resolution mechanisms.
Spotlight on Polymarket: Prediction Market Faces Global Scrutiny
The inclusion of Polymarket in the ACMA’s latest ban wave has drawn particular attention. Known for its blockchain-powered prediction markets, Polymarket allows users to wager on outcomes across a wide range of topics—from sports and politics to legal rulings and cultural trends.
While prediction markets have gained traction globally for their interactive and decentralized nature, they have also faced regulatory scrutiny in jurisdictions like the United States. Polymarket, in particular, has been criticized for hosting controversial markets, including recent backlash over contracts tied to WNBA fan behavior, which many deemed inappropriate.
Despite public criticism, Polymarket did not remove the offending contracts, further fueling concerns about content moderation and ethical boundaries in decentralized betting platforms.
