Online gambling has become easier than ever, but not every platform is safe or legitimate. Recently, there’s been a rise in unregulated “PayID pokies” and offshore casino-style apps that target everyday Australians. At first glance, these sites can look professional and even appear trustworthy, but many are unlicensed and unregulated, which means they don’t offer the same player protections as legitimate gambling platforms.
While participating in these websites isn’t technically illegal, it does carry serious risks, both financial and personal.
What is unlicensed online gambling?
Unlicensed online gambling refers to websites or apps that are not licensed under Australian law. These platforms often promote:
- Offshore casinos and bingo-style games
- PayID or bank transfers to personal or business accounts
- “Referral” or bonus schemes to attract new players
Because they operate outside Australian regulations, there’s no guarantee of fairness or security. Many players report being unable to access winnings, having their funds disappear, or falling victim to scams.
Who’s most at risk?
Illegal gambling operators often target everyday Australians, including those facing financial stress or looking for easy wins.
- Players are typically referred by friends or social media ads
- Transactions are small (often $10–$100), making losses harder to trace
- “Referral payments” may be offered to encourage others to join
Sadly, it’s rare for players to win, and almost impossible to recover lost funds once transferred.
The people behind the scams
Behind many of these sites are organised crime groups using fake business names and company accounts to collect deposits before moving funds offshore. These accounts often show no real business activity and are used solely to launder money.
The real risks for players
- Loss of funds: Deposited money is rarely recoverable.
- Identity theft: Sharing personal or banking information puts you at risk of fraud.
- Involvement in criminal activity: Some players unknowingly participate in money laundering when moving funds.
- No protection: Because these sites are unregulated, there’s no help from financial institutions or regulators if something goes wrong.
How to spot an illegal gambling site
Be cautious of websites or apps that:
- Use flashy graphics or pop culture imagery to attract players
- Require direct PayID or bank transfers
- Offer bonuses or commissions for referring friends
- Are only available in English and Mandarin
- Include fake logos of financial institutions or gaming regulators
If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Where to get help
If you think you or someone you know has been caught up in illegal online gambling, help is available.
- Contact your bank as soon as possible
- Speak with a local financial counsellor or call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007
- Visit AUSTRAC to learn more about how to recognise and report suspicious activity
We take scams and financial crime seriously. Protecting our customers and the broader community is part of our commitment to ethical, people-first banking.
