Australia launches taskforce to combat fake online gambling scams
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The new cross-sector unit will investigate “scambling” schemes and develop measures to protect consumers.
Australia.- The National Anti-Scam Centre has established a new taskforce to tackle “scambling”, a term used to describe fraudulent online gambling and casino platforms that manipulate outcomes, withhold winnings or demand additional payments from users. The initiative brings together law enforcement agencies, regulators, digital platforms, banks, telecommunications providers and community organisations.
Reports of “scambling” rose from 677 in 2024 to 806 in 2025, while reported losses climbed from around AU$449,000 (US$311,000) to AU$1.6m (US$1.1m). More than 45 per cent of reported losses last year involved consumers who identified as First Nations Australians. Authorities believe the true scale of the problem is much larger because many victims may think they simply lost money through gambling.
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission deputy chair Catriona Lowe said the new taskforce will seek to build a clearer understanding of the schemes and strengthen consumer protections. “The fusion cell’s work will create a clearer picture of how the scams operate, the impact they’re having on Australians, the factors that are enabling them and how they can be disrupted,” she said.
The taskforce will operate until December 9, 2026. Its findings are expected to be published in 2027.
The new cross-sector unit will investigate “scambling” schemes and develop measures to protect consumers. Australia.- The National Anti-Scam Centre has established a new taskforce to tackle “scambling”, a term used to describe fraudulent online gambling and casino platforms that manipulate outcomes, withhold winnings or demand additional payments from users. The initiative brings together law enforcement…
