The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has requested the Australian internet service providers (ISPs) to block more illegal online gambling sites, after investigations found these services to be operating in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.

The latest sites blocked include Best Aussie Pokies, winspirit.online, win-spirit.online, winspirit.team and winspirit1.com.

Website blocking is one of a range of enforcement options to protect Australians against illegal online gambling. Since the ACMA made its first blocking request in November 2019, 1279 illegal gambling and affiliate websites have been blocked. Around 220 illegal services have also pulled out of the Australian market since the ACMA started enforcing new illegal online gambling rules in 2017.

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As Regulating the Game prepares for its sixth edition in Sydney, GLI’s continued sponsorship of the Gala Dinner reinforces the conference’s vital role in shaping future gaming policy, fostering innovation, and cultivating ethical leadership worldwide.

Regulating the Game announced that Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) will return as the Gala Dinner sponsor for the 2026 conference, reaffirming its status as a foundation sponsor and valued partner in promoting regulatory excellence, sector integrity, and global collaboration.

Now in its sixth edition, Regulating the Game has established itself as a leading international conference for gambling law, policy, and compliance as well as showcasing industry innovation and leadership. The event returns to Sydney in March 2026 with a bold and dynamic program designed to advance capability, challenge conventional thinking, and cultivate ethical and innovative leadership across the sector.

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GLI’s renewed sponsorship highlights its enduring commitment to industry integrity and its strong alignment with the conference’s mission to promote evidence-led policy, ethical governance, and safer gambling outcomes.

Paul Newson, principal at Vanguard Overwatch and founder of Regulating the Game, welcomed the continued partnership: “GLI has been an unwavering supporter since the inception of Regulating the Game. Their ongoing sponsorship of the Gala Dinner not only enhances the event’s prestige but reflects a shared dedication to strengthening regulatory frameworks and industry resilience through global engagement, thought leadership, and rigorous standards.”

For over 35 years, GLI has provided world-class testing, certification, and professional services to regulators, suppliers, and operators across 710+ jurisdictions. GLI’s unwavering focus on independence and integrity has made it a trusted partner in supporting secure and compliant gaming markets.

Ian Hughes, chief commercial officer / CEO, APAC said: “At GLI, our mission is to help ensure the integrity of the global gaming industry through independent and trusted services. We are honoured to continue supporting Regulating the Game, a conference that champions innovation, fosters policy and industry dialogue, and helps shape the future of gaming through thought leadership, education and collaboration.”

The Regulating the Game 2026 Gala Dinner – one of the conference’s premier networking and celebration events – will again provide delegates with a memorable evening of exceptional hospitality, engagement, and recognition of sector leadership.

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With Pitch! at the Sydney Opera House, an expanded Exhibition footprint and growing international program of regulatory and industry stewards, expert led masterclasses and panels, Regulating the Game 2026 is set to elevate regulatory discourse and strengthen cross-sector alliances.

The Liquor & Gaming NSW (L&GNSW) has launched a compliance campaign focusing on external gambling signage and internal gambling related signage that is visible from the outside of the premises.

Inspectors will be engaging licensees and attending venues to assess compliance.

L&GNSW will be taking escalated enforcement action against any venue found not to be complying with the requirements.

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From 1 December 2023, L&GNSW adopted a zero-tolerance enforcement approach regarding external gambling-related signage. This followed a compliance campaign which involved the removal of all external gambling related signage such as “VIP Lounge,” signage that includes dragon imagery or similar, and the removal of adopted imagery including images associated with gaming machines.

External gambling related signage at hotels and registered clubs are subjected to the requirements of sections 43 and 44 of the Gaming Machines Act 2001 NSW (the Act).

These requirements are in place to continue supporting gambling harm minimisation by reducing the visibility and promotion of gambling, particularly to vulnerable individuals and the broader community.

Venues that are not yet compliant should consult the 2023 Compliance Campaign: External gaming signage for hotels & clubs position paper or contact the Hospitality Concierge for additional information on the requirements.

L&GNSW recommends venues conduct self-audits to ensure their obligations and requirements in relation to the Act are met. A Gaming Harm Minimisation Fact sheet is also available.

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Breaches of section 43(1) and 44(1) of the Act can result in on the spot fines of $1100 per offence or a maximum fine of $11,000 per offence if prosecuted.