Latest Australian Gambling Industry News: Bans, Blocks, and High-Profile Incidents

The Australian gambling industry has been in the spotlight in recent months due to tightening legislation, blocking illegal casinos, and large-scale incidents at the country’s largest gambling establishments. We analyze the main events that have affected the casino market in Australia.

Tightening the rules: new restrictions for games with gambling elements

From September 22, 2024, new regulations regarding video games with gambling elements came into force in Australia. Now, such games automatically receive an age rating of 18+, which limits access to them for underage users. This rule affected not only casino simulators, but also popular role-playing projects containing mini-games with gambling elements.

According to representatives of the Australian government, such measures are aimed at reducing the risks of gambling addiction among young people. However, many game studios expressed dissatisfaction with the new law, arguing that it unfairly restricts the gaming industry.

Star Casino software glitch: casino accidentally paid out $2 million

In April 2024, one of Australia’s largest casinos, Star Casino Sydney, experienced a technical glitch that resulted in erroneous payouts of more than AUD 3.2 million.

The issue was related to a malfunction in the cash-dispensing machines, due to which players could withdraw money without having an actual balance in their account. For several weeks, the casino did not notice the error until it was brought to the attention of financial auditors.

After the incident was discovered, Star Casino launched an investigation and demanded a refund of the erroneously paid funds. However, part of the amount was never returned, which became the subject of legal proceedings. This case has again raised questions about the technical security of the casino and the need for increased control over payments.

Australia massively blocks illegal online casinos

In February 2024, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) announced the blocking of 926 unlicensed gambling sites. Among them were the well-known platforms Playzilla, Wazamba and Zet Casino, which offered their services to Australian users without a license.

The Australian authorities continue their policy of tough combat against illegal operators, explaining this by protecting consumers from fraudulent schemes and uncontrolled gambling. In recent years, the country has significantly tightened control over online casinos, which has led to the closure of hundreds of platforms.

Experts note that in the future, the list of blocked sites can only increase, as unlicensed operators are constantly looking for ways to bypass restrictions.

Discussions around gambling advertising in Australia

The advertising policy of casinos and bookmakers in Australia in 2024 has caused heated debate. In April of this year, a complete ban on sponsorship of sports teams by companies associated with gambling was discussed.

At the moment, advertising restrictions are not absolute, but more and more politicians and public figures are demanding a complete ban on casino promotion. Some operators have already abandoned advertising campaigns, understanding the possible consequences of the new laws.

In September 2024, former Australian prime ministers came forward with an initiative to completely ban gambling advertising within three years. They said that the state should pay more attention to the consequences of gambling, such as financial losses, gambling addiction and deterioration of the mental health of players.

Results: where is the gambling market heading in Australia?

The Australian casino market is facing serious changes. Strengthening control over advertising, mass blocking of illegal operators and the introduction of age restrictions on video games with elements of gambling show that the authorities are trying to minimize the harm of gambling entertainment.

On the other hand, high-profile scandals such as the failure at Star Casino indicate that even the largest licensed casinos are facing security issues and require stricter regulation.

Time will tell how events will develop in the Australian gambling industry in 2025. However, it is already clear that the market is moving towards stricter regulation and consumer protection.