What is a gambling scam?
Some gambling scams are known as “scambling”. These are fake or illegal gambling services designed to convince people to sign up, deposit money or share personal information. Scammers may then steal money, use personal information to commit identity theft or fraud, or demand more money. Many gambling scams operate through illegal online gambling services. In Australia, it is illegal for providers to offer online pokies and online casino-style games to people in Australia. Using these services can increase your risk of being scammed.
How to protect yourself from scambling
Gambling scams can be difficult to identify because they often look legitimate. To help protect you from scams, you should check whether a gambling service is legitimate before you sign up, share personal information or send money.
Scammers promote gambling services through social media, chat groups, text messages and online advertisements. Professional-looking websites, promotions and reviews can make scam services appear trustworthy.
A gambling service may be a scam if it:
- asks for payment to access winnings
- requests repeated payments to different bank accounts or PayIDs
- asks you to pay money to confirm your identity
- pressures you to make additional deposits
- offers to recover lost money for a fee.
- Before signing up, sharing personal information or sending money, check whether the service is legitimate.
- Use the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) website to check whether a gambling service is legal in Australia before creating an account or sending money. If a service is not listed, it is not legally allowed to operate in Australia and may increase your risk of being scammed.
- Don't share identity documents unless you are certain you are dealing with a legitimate business operating in Australia.
What to do if you've been scammed
If you think you've been scammed:
- Stop sending money immediately, even if the platform says this is needed to release your winnings.
- Contact your bank, card provider or payment service as soon as possible. They may be able to stop transactions, secure your account and help recover lost funds.
- Change any passwords that may have been shared with the scam or exposed because of it.
- Report the scam to Scamwatch once your details are secure. Reporting scams helps authorities track scams, warn others and raise awareness of new scam activity.
Where to get help
If a gambling scam has affected you or someone you know, you can start an online chat with us or call the Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858. The service is free, confidential and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Support is available to anyone affected by gambling harm, including family members and friends.
You can also get support from:
- Scamwatch provides information, advice and reporting options for people who have been affected by scams.
- IDCARE, Australia's national identity and cyber support service, can help you make a plan to reduce the impact of identity theft or cybercrime. Call 1800 595 160 or visit the IDCARE website for free support.
If you think someone you know may be affected, talk to them without judgement and encourage them to seek support.
Support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Gambling scams are having a growing impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities. Scamwatch data shows Aboriginal and Torres Strait Australians are being affected at higher rates than other Australians.
Scam support
If you are an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person or supporting someone affected by scambling, you can call the Scamwatch First Nations Infoline on 1300 303 143 for information and support.
Gambling support
Free and confidential gambling support is available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, families, friends and communities. Visit the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander gambling support page for free information, counselling and resources.
