Warning signs that a betting site is not licensed in Australia
A betting site is not licensed in Australia if its brand and exact domain are missing from the ACMA register. Other warning signs are credit card or crypto deposits, online in-play betting, a casino or poker section, and no mention of BetStop. Each sign points to a rule in the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 or an ACMA rule. Checked 13 November 2026.
Start with the register
Every sign below is a prompt, and the register is the test. Search the brand and the exact domain in the ACMA register. If they are not in one record, treat the site as not licensed for Australia until the register says otherwise.
The steps are in checking a bookmaker's licence. A "No current URL" record gives no address to match, so it clears no site.
Where this stands: the register decides; the other signs only tell you to go and look.
The signs and the rule behind each
| Sign | Rule behind it | How to check |
|---|---|---|
| No register record for the exact domain | Online wagering needs an Australian licence (s 15AA) | ACMA register |
| Credit card, credit-based wallet or crypto accepted | Banned for online and phone betting since 11 June 2024 | The site's payment page; ACMA credit ban page |
| Online in-play betting on sport offered | Banned; only purely voice phone bets are excepted (s 8AA) | The site's sport menu |
| A casino, pokies or online poker section | Online casino games and poker are banned, and so is advertising them | The site's menu |
| No mention of BetStop | BetStop covers licensed providers only | The site's responsible-gambling page |
| Domain on ACMA's blocked list | ACMA blocks illegal gambling sites | ACMA blocked websites list |
The last two rows are weaker signs than the first four. A licensed provider can leave out a BetStop link by oversight; the page checked is what you read, and the result for C06 is Not found on the page checked, not proof of illegality.
Where this stands: six signs are on file, each with a rule or a place to check.
What is not proof
- A foreign licence badge. The register lists Australian licences.
- A polished app or site. Appearance says nothing about licence.
- A promoter you know. ACMA warned an influencer in July 2026 and two former AFL players in October 2026 for promoting an illegal service.
- A claim to be approved or authorised. Check the register instead.
Penalties ACMA cites for advertising or facilitating access are set out in offshore betting sites: why they are illegal. From 2027, the Act adds payment blocking and removal notices; see the Gambling Reform Act summary.
Where this stands: badges, looks and endorsements are not evidence of a licence.
What to do if you think a site is illegal
- Do not deposit. If you have already, stop paying in.
- Write down the address, the date and what you saw.
- Report it with ACMA's complaint form.
- If gambling is causing harm, call Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858.
This site does not name or link to illegal services, because ACMA treats hyperlinks to them as facilitating access.
Where this stands: four steps: stop, note, report and get support.
Then run the full list
A licensed site still needs the other checks. The twelve checks as a list covers banking, tools, ID, app and support.
Where this stands: a register record is the first of twelve checks, not the last.
Sources
18+ and where to get help
18+ only. Gambling can be harmful. Need help? Call Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858 (free, 24/7) or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au. To exclude yourself from licensed Australian online and phone wagering providers, register with BetStop at betstop.gov.au.
We are not a bookmaker and do not take bets.
FAQ
What is the clearest sign a site is not licensed?
The brand and exact domain are not in the ACMA register of licensed interactive gambling providers. The register is the check that decides the question.
Are credit cards or crypto a warning sign?
Yes. Credit cards, credit-based wallets and digital currency have been banned for online and phone betting since 11 June 2024, per ACMA. A site that takes them is breaking that rule.
Is online in-play betting a warning sign?
Yes. Online in-play betting on sport is banned in Australia, with an exception for purely voice phone bets. A site offering it online is outside the rules.
Does one sign prove a site is illegal?
No. A sign is a prompt to check the register. Only the register, the block list and ACMA decide the matter.
Where do I report a site?
Use ACMA's interactive gambling complaint form. This site does not name or link to illegal services.