Quick Answer
To stop online casino texts in Australia, you must: (1) immediately reply “STOP” to the SMS (if the casino is legitimate), (2) block the sender on your phone, (3) register your number on the Australian Government’s Do Not Call Register (dnc.org.au), and (4) report persistent breaches to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). Under the Interactive Gambling Act 1997 (IGA), unsolicited gambling advertisements are illegal. If you receive texts from unlicensed offshore operators, they are violating Australian law, and you should lodge a formal complaint with ACMA. Never click links in these texts—they are often phishing scams.
Why Am I Getting These Texts?
Online casino text messages in Australia typically come from two sources:
- Unlicensed offshore casinos: These operators target Australian numbers despite being banned under the IGA. They obtain your number via data breaches, purchased marketing lists, or automated number generators.
- Scams and phishing attempts: Many “casino texts” are fake, designed to steal your banking details or install malware. They often promise “free spins” or “no deposit bonuses” to lure you into clicking malicious links.
Under the Interactive Gambling Act 1997, it is illegal for any gambling service to send unsolicited electronic messages (including SMS) to Australian residents. This applies to both domestic and offshore operators that target Australians. The law is enforced by ACMA, which can impose fines of up to $10 million per breach for corporations.
Step-by-Step: How to Stop Casino Texts
1. Immediate Actions for Each Text
- Do NOT click any links: Even if the text appears legitimate, links may lead to phishing sites. Ignore them.
- Reply “STOP” (once only): If the sender is a legitimate operator (rare), this should unsubscribe you. If it’s a scam, replying may confirm your number is active—only use this if you’re certain the sender is regulated.
- Block the number: On iPhone: open the message, tap the sender at the top, select “Info,” then “Block this Caller.” On Android: open the message, tap the three dots, then “Block number.”
2. Register with the Australian Do Not Call Register
Visit www.dnc.org.au (the official government site) and register your mobile number. This prevents legitimate telemarketers and SMS marketers from contacting you. Note: Scammers ignore this register, but it helps reduce legal spam. Under the Do Not Call Register Act 2006, gambling-related telemarketing is already prohibited, but registering adds an extra layer of protection.
3. Report to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA)
ACMA is the primary enforcer of spam and gambling ad laws. To report casino texts:
- Go to acma.gov.au/unsolicited.
- Submit a complaint with the sender’s number, the exact text content, and the date/time received.
- If the sender is an offshore operator, ACMA can work with international regulators to block their services in Australia.
ACMA has successfully fined companies like Ladbrokes and Bet365 in the past for illegal gambling ads. In 2023, ACMA blocked over 200 illegal gambling websites for targeting Australians.
4. Use Phone Filtering Apps
Install reputable SMS blockers such as Truecaller, Hiya, or RoboKiller. These apps automatically detect and filter spam texts, including casino messages. They also allow you to report numbers to a global database.
5. Check Your Data Exposure
If you’ve previously signed up for any online casino (even legally overseas), your number may be on marketing lists. Use haveibeenpwned.com to see if your email or phone was in a data breach. If so, change your passwords and consider a virtual number (e.g., Google Voice) for future sign-ups.
Legal Protections Under the IGA 1997
The Interactive Gambling Act 1997 (IGA) specifically prohibits:
- Unsolicited gambling advertisements via SMS, email, or social media.
- Offshore casinos from offering “click-to-call” or “in-play” betting to Australians.
- Any gambling service from sending promotional messages without prior consent.
Penalties: ACMA can issue infringement notices of up to $10 million per breach. In 2022, ACMA fined Betfair $2.1 million for illegal ad campaigns. If you report a casino text, ACMA will investigate and may take enforcement action.
Important: The IGA does not protect you from overseas scammers who ignore Australian law. For those, you must rely on blocking and reporting to ACMA, which can coordinate with regulators in other countries.
What If the Texts Continue?
If you’ve blocked the number and reported it, but texts still arrive from new numbers:
- Contact your mobile provider: Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone can block entire ranges of numbers used by scammers. Ask for “spam filtering” to be enabled on your account.
- Change your phone number: As a last resort, request a new number from your provider. This is the most effective way to stop all unwanted texts.
- File a complaint with the ACCC: The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) handles scams. Report via scamwatch.gov.au.
Key Takeaways for Australian Players
- Never engage: Do not click links, reply, or call numbers in casino texts—they are often scams or illegal marketing.
- Use legal tools: Register on the Do Not Call Register, report to ACMA, and use SMS blockers.
- The IGA is on your side: Unsolicited casino texts are illegal in Australia. ACMA actively fines offenders.
- Protect your data: Avoid sharing your number with any gambling site. Use temporary numbers for online sign-ups.
- If all else fails: Change your number. It’s a hassle, but it stops the problem permanently.
Remember: No legitimate Australian-licensed casino will send you unsolicited texts. If you receive one, it’s either a scam or an illegal offshore operator. Stay safe and report it immediately.