Quick Answer
To stop receiving text messages from online casinos, Australian players should immediately reply “STOP” to any SMS from a casino (if the option is available), block the sender on their phone, and report the number to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) if the messages are unsolicited. Under the Interactive Gambling Act 1997 (IGA), it is illegal for unlicensed offshore casinos to send unsolicited gambling advertisements to Australians, including via SMS. If messages persist, you may also file a complaint with the Office of the eSafety Commissioner or your mobile provider. Never click links in these texts, and consider using a spam-blocking app for ongoing protection.
Understanding the Problem: Why Do You Get Casino Texts?
Online casinos—especially those based offshore—often harvest phone numbers from data breaches, purchased marketing lists, or previous account sign-ups (even if you opted out). These texts are a form of unsolicited commercial communication. For Australian players, this is a direct violation of the Interactive Gambling Act 1997 (IGA), which prohibits the sending of gambling advertisements to Australian residents without their explicit consent. However, because many of these casinos operate from jurisdictions like Malta, Curacao, or the UK, enforcement can be challenging. The IGA does not automatically stop these messages—you must take proactive steps.
Step-by-Step Guide to Stop Casino Texts
1. Immediately Reply “STOP” (If Safe)
Most legitimate marketing SMS systems include an opt-out keyword. If the text contains a clear instruction like “Reply STOP to unsubscribe,” do so. Only reply if you are certain the message is from a real casino—scammers may use this to confirm your number is active, then sell it to other spammers. If the message looks suspicious (e.g., no sender ID, generic greeting), skip this step and go straight to blocking.
2. Block the Sender on Your Phone
Blocking prevents future messages from that specific number. On iPhone: Open the message, tap the sender at the top, then tap “Info” (i) and select “Block this Caller.” On Android: Open the message, tap the three-dot menu, and select “Block number.” This is a temporary fix—casinos often use multiple numbers, so you may need to block several.
3. Report the Number to ACMA
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) enforces the Spam Act 2003, which covers SMS marketing. If you receive unsolicited gambling texts, file a complaint at acma.gov.au or call 1300 850 115. ACMA can issue formal warnings, fines, or even take legal action against repeat offenders. However, offshore casinos often ignore Australian authorities, so this works best for domestic or licensed operators.
4. Report to the eSafety Commissioner
If the texts include explicit content, threats, or are part of a scam, contact the Office of the eSafety Commissioner (esafety.gov.au). They can assist with blocking and may escalate to law enforcement if the messages violate the Enhancing Online Safety Act 2015.
5. Contact Your Mobile Provider
Most Australian carriers (Telstra, Optus, Vodafone) offer spam-blocking services. You can report the number to them, and they may add it to a shared blacklist. Some providers also allow you to block all SMS from international numbers, which can stop offshore casino texts entirely. Call your provider’s customer service or check their app for spam reporting features.
6. Use a Third-Party Spam Blocker
Apps like Truecaller, Hiya, or SMS Organizer (by Microsoft) can automatically filter and block known spam numbers. These apps maintain databases of reported casino spam numbers. Note: Avoid apps that require access to your contacts or messages unless they are from reputable developers. For privacy, check app permissions carefully.
7. Never Engage or Click Links
Do not reply with anything other than “STOP” (if safe). Never click links in the text—they may lead to phishing sites or malware. Even clicking “unsubscribe” in a link can confirm your number is active. If you accidentally click, run a security scan on your device and change passwords for any accounts you accessed.
Australian Legal Protections: What the IGA 1997 Says
The Interactive Gambling Act 1997 (IGA) makes it illegal for any gambling service to send unsolicited advertisements to Australian residents—including via SMS, email, or social media. Key points:
- Offshore casinos are not exempt – The IGA applies to any provider that offers real-money gambling to Australians, regardless of where they are licensed.
- Penalties – ACMA can issue fines up to $250,000 per day for repeat violations. However, enforcement against offshore entities is rare due to jurisdictional limits.
- Your rights – You have the right to opt out of all commercial messages. If a casino continues to text you after you’ve unsubscribed, they are breaking the law.
- Limitations – The IGA does not cover “incidental” messages (e.g., account updates from a casino you have an account with), but these should still include an opt-out option.
If you suspect a casino is violating the IGA, you can report them to ACMA. While ACMA may not shut down an offshore casino, they can block its payment providers or internet access within Australia.
What If the Texts Are From a Casino You Have an Account With?
If you previously signed up for a casino (even years ago), their texts may be considered “account-related” rather than unsolicited marketing. In this case:
- Log into your account and update your communication preferences—uncheck SMS marketing.
- If you cannot log in, contact their support via email or live chat to request removal from all SMS lists.
- If they refuse, report them to ACMA as a breach of the Spam Act.
- Consider closing your account entirely if you no longer wish to gamble.
Preventative Measures for the Future
- Never share your mobile number with gambling sites, especially unlicensed offshore ones.
- Use a secondary number (e.g., a Google Voice or prepaid SIM) for any online registrations.
- Register your number on the Australian Do Not Call Register (donotcall.gov.au). While this primarily covers telemarketing calls, it may reduce SMS from legitimate Australian businesses.
- Enable SMS filtering on your phone (iPhone: Settings > Messages > Filter Unknown Senders; Android: Settings > Spam Protection).
- Be cautious with contests – Many casino texts originate from “free spin” or “bonus” offers that you may have unknowingly opted into through third-party websites.
Key Takeaways for Australian Players
- Always reply “STOP” first if the text appears legitimate, then block the number.
- Report persistent senders to ACMA—they are the primary regulator for unsolicited SMS under the IGA and Spam Act.
- Use your mobile provider’s spam features and third-party apps to automate blocking.
- Never click links in casino texts—they are often phishing attempts or malware vectors.
- Understand your rights under the Interactive Gambling Act 1997—unsolicited gambling ads are illegal, even from offshore casinos.
- Close accounts with any casino you no longer use to stop all communications.
- Stay proactive – Spammers adapt quickly, so regularly review your blocked list and update your spam settings.
By following these steps, you can significantly reduce—or eliminate—unwanted casino texts. If the problem persists despite all measures, consider changing your mobile number (a last resort but effective). Remember, Australian law is on your side, but enforcement requires your active participation.