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 Crown slots and Billy billion.

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, 1178 illegal gambling and affiliate websites have been blocked.

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Around 220 illegal services have also pulled out of the Australian market since the ACMA started enforcing new illegal online gambling rules in 2017.

The Regulating the Game 2025 Sydney conference has officially concluded. Over the three days, global regulators, industry leaders, policymakers, researchers and compliance professionals gathered at the Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour.

With an unparalleled lineup of expert speakers, masterclasses, and panel discussions, the event reinforced its position as the must-attend conference for gambling regulation and compliance professionals.

From Michael Phelan APM’s keynote on the battle against organised crime to Bo Bernhard’s exploration of the “Fun Economy”, attendees were challenged to rethink conventional approaches and explore innovative solutions.

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Crown Resorts CEO David Tsai led a compelling discussion on Crown’s pioneering PlaySafe solution, positioning the company as a global leader in safer gambling innovation. His insights reinforced the need for proactive, technology-driven approaches to responsible gambling and regulatory excellence.

Other high-impact sessions featured:

• Titus O’Reily on the rise, fall, and resurgence of sports gambling in Australia.

• Dr Ron Ben-David (VGCCC) offering an unfiltered perspective on the evolving landscape, responsibilities and challenges facing regulators today.

• Professor Alison Taylor on building an ethical corporate culture.

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• Brendan Thomas, CEO, AUSTRAC, on AML and financial crime risks, regulatory expectations and the work still to be done.

• Barni Evans (CEO, Sportsbet) with a walk through wagering history, acknowledging missteps and discussing the industry’s future direction.

As technology continues to reshape the gambling sector, discussions on RegTech, AI, cashless gaming and cybersecurity dominated the agenda. Experts including Ian Hughes, Jamieson O’Reilly, Tracy Schrans, Jay Robinson, Donata Szabo and Elizabeth Lusk explored the risks and opportunities presented by emerging technologies, outlining how regulatory frameworks must evolve to maintain integrity while embracing innovation.

The Artificial Intelligence Panel, led by Christopher Logan from Amazon Web Services, examined AI’s role in the future of betting, compliance, and risk mitigation, sparking valuable discourse on security, privacy and regulatory oversight.

One of the most anticipated segments of RTG 2025, Pitch! provided a platform for innovators to showcase game-changing research, technology and compliance solutions. The event, hosted by Rob Lopez from Norths Collective, culminated in a thrilling Pitch! Challenge, where Focal Research Consultants’ Focal Go solution emerged as the winning innovation, underscoring the power of data-driven approaches in enhancing responsible gambling outcomes.

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RTG 2025 Sydney wasn’t just about insights—it was about connections. With networking events at iconic Sydney venues, including Dean & Nancy on 22 and Alpha, delegates forged new partnerships that will drive future collaborations and strengthen regulatory and industry ties.