Australia Targets Clone Domains in New Gambling Blocks

Australia’s media regulator has added another group of gambling websites to its block list. The latest action also points to a growing concern around copycat branding.

According to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), internet service providers have been requested to block access to 12 websites related to gambling and affiliate marketing after inquiries in connection with the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. The websites on the list include:

7Signs;
Chromabet.org;
Donbet;
Duospin;
Freshbet;
Slots Gem;
Jacks Club;
Lucky Start;
Pointsbetz.com;
Spinrise;
Vinyl Casino;
Wildsino.

This is yet another step in an ongoing series of actions against these sites by Australia. The country allows licensed online wagering, but online casino products are prohibited for people in Australia.

Copycat Names Raise Consumer Risk

There are two notable sites mentioned in the recent update by ACMA. The first one is called Chromabet.org. ACMA described Chromabet.org as imitating the licensed ChromaBet service. Pointsbetz.com was described as imitating the licensed PointsBet service.

This changes the risk profile. A standard offshore casino can be easier to identify as a separate, unlicensed site. A clone-style domain is more dangerous because it borrows trust from a known brand. That can also create reputational noise for licensed operators if consumers mistake such domains for legitimate services.

Blocking Remains the Main Tool

Website blocking through ACMA started in November 2019. The number of blocked illegal gambling and affiliate sites has now reached 1,751. ACMA says more than 230 illegal services have pulled out of the Australian market since ACMA started enforcing new illegal online gambling rules in 2017.

The procedure remains narrow. ACMA investigates the services, finds violations, and asks ISPs to limit access. The websites may come under this category if they provide gambling products that are forbidden by law, unlicensed regulated services, or advertise illegal gambling. So, the procedure limits access from Australia, but it cannot make an operator disappear from the Internet.

Offshore Demand Has Not Disappeared

The enforcement issue in Australia is related to the structure of the local market. While licensed betting is widely offered, slots, blackjack, roulette, poker, and other casino-style games are not part of the legitimate online offering.

This provides a chance for offshore operators. They position their services as an alternative to casino gambling for Australians. They also employ affiliate marketing, search engine optimization, social media marketing, and brand name imitation to create an illusion of legitimacy.

ACMA says illegal services are unlikely to have important customer protections, leaving users at risk of losing money.

Enforcement Pressure Will Stay Active

This latest phase is not a significant shift in the policy direction. Rather, it indicates that the enforcement strategy of Australia is gradually working across domains, with added focus on domains that imitate licensed brands.

For operators, affiliates, and regulators, the point is clear. Blocking alone will not end offshore gambling demand. But copycat domains give ACMA a stronger consumer-protection argument and may push future enforcement closer to advertising channels, search visibility, and local promotional partners.