Gambling and betting scams involve fake betting offers fake tipping services, copying real betting businesses, and illegal online gambling games. These are designed to steal your money or personal information.

Scammers use websites, apps, social media posts, messaging apps and online ads to promote fake gambling or betting. They may offer high odds, bonus credits, free spins, insider tips, or special promotions that are not available elsewhere. Some scammers pretend to be real businesses by using professional looking branding and fake reviews to look trustworthy.

One type of gambling scam is often known as ‘scambling’, where scammers create fake online pokies or casino-style games. You may have some early wins, but eventually, the scammers suspend your account and demand payments for fake fees or taxes. You may also be asked to provide identity documents, banking details or other personal information, which can then be misused for identity theft or other criminal activity. In the end, they often stop responding altogether.

These platforms can also be used to offer fake job opportunities or fake winnings, in exchange for renting out your bank account to move money they’ve stolen from other victims.

Warning signs it might be a scam

  • You are contacted through social media, a messaging app, or casino ad. You may also be contacted via another gambling or betting opportunity.
  • You are promised easy money, sign-up credits or guaranteed wins.
  • You are pressured to keep paying small amounts before you can get your winnings.
  • You are told to use unusual payment descriptions that don’t match what they actually related to, when topping up your account. 
  • You are told to pay extra fees, charges or taxes before you can access your winnings.
  • The platform offers you bonus credits or referral rewards if you recruit other people.
  • You are offered a job asking you to receive money into your bank account, move money for someone else, or share your bank details. In return for this you’re offered commission, bonus or access to winnings.
  • It’s not clear who runs the service, so you can’t check if it’s legal in Australia.
  • Customer support is unresponsive, vague or disappears when you ask to withdraw funds.

Online pokies and online casino-style games are illegal in Australia. That means that websites or apps offering these services don’t have the same consumer protections as services that operate within Australian law.

Examples of scambling ads

Online pokies with a signup bonus
Screengrab of scambling ad, text says "winza mate new member bonus, AUD 22 free, start playing now". Accepted payment methods listed, table of live pokie transactions. Cartoon image of a woman.
Online gambling with a commission offer
Scambling online ad screengrab. Text says "Lot 9ine, need passive income, earn extra 8% commission every week", image of roulette wheel and female figure in leather jacket.

Steps you can take to protect yourself

  • Stop and think before signing up to any gambling or betting service promoted through social media, chat groups, text messages or ads.
  • Use the ACMA website to check if a gambling service is legal in Australia before you sign up or pay money.
  • Don’t assume that a professional-looking website, app or positive reviews means a service is genuine.
  • Be very wary of services asking for repeated small payments to different accounts or PayIDs.
  • Do not keep paying money to unlock winnings, recover losses or prove your identity.
  • Protect your personal information and do not share identity documents unless you are certain you are dealing with a regulated business in Australia.
  • Never allow your personal bank account to be used by a gambling app or website to receive or move money on their behalf.
  • Stop sending money immediately, even if the game says it’s needed to release your winnings.
  • Be alert to follow-up scams, including offers to recover your money for a fee.

Additional support and resources

  • Scamwatch has information on support if you've been scammed.
  • If you think someone you know may be affected, talk to them without judgement and encourage them to get help quickly. You can also make use of AUSTRAC's scambling resources for more information on scambling and where to get help.
  • If you are a First Nations person or advocate, you can also call our First Nations Infoline at 1300 303 143.
  • Gambling Help Online can offer free online support for anyone affected by gambling, or you can phone 1800 858 858.

Think you've been scammed?

  1. Act fast to stop any further losses

    Contact your bank or card provider immediately to report the scam. Ask them to stop any transactions.

    Change passwords on all your devices and online accounts like banking, email, government and shopping.

  2. Get help to recover

    IDCARE is Australia and New Zealand’s national identity and cyber support service. They can help you make a plan (for free) to limit the damage. Call them on 1800 595 160 or visit their website to find out more.

  3. Report the scam

    Once you have secured your details, you can help us try to stop the scam or to warn others by reporting the scam to us.

    When reporting select ‘another type of scam’ when asked to describe the scam.

    If you are a First Nations person or advocate, you can also call our First Nations Infoline at 1300 303 143.

Find out more about what to do if you've been scammed