Australia has handed down one of its biggest penalties yet against operators accused of offering illegal online poker services to local players.
The Federal Court has ordered more than AU$24 million in penalties against the businesses and individuals behind the online poker platforms PPPfish, Shuffle Gaming, and Redraw Poker. That follows action brought by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).
The ruling marks another major step in Australia’s long-running crackdown on unlicensed online gambling operators targeting Australian residents.
Who Was Penalized?
The Federal Court imposed the following penalties:
- Brisbane Poker Pty Ltd – AU$15 million
- Rhys Edward Jones – AU$9 million
- Brenton Lee Buttigieg – AU$240,000
The total penalties in the case now stand at AU$29.24M.
Why Were They Fined for Online Poker?
According to the Court, the companies and individuals breached Australia’s Interactive Gambling Act 2001 by providing prohibited online poker services to Australian players.
The services reportedly allowed players to compete against each other using virtual chips that could be bought and sold for real money, bringing them within the scope of Australia’s online gambling laws.
The legal action began after an ACMA investigation launched in 2022.
Court Orders Extend Beyond Financial Penalties
The ruling wasn’t limited to fines.
The Court also issued five-year restraining orders preventing:
- Rhys Edward Jones from providing prohibited interactive gambling services.
- Brenton Lee Buttigieg from assisting or facilitating similar services.
In addition, Brisbane Poker Pty Ltd and Jones were ordered to pay the ACMA’s legal costs.
ACMA Sends a Strong Message Australian Online Poker Players
ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin said the decision should serve as a warning to anyone considering offering unlicensed online poker to Australians.
“This decision sends a clear warning that offering online poker to Australians is illegal and there are serious consequences for those who breach the law.”
She added that the regulator would continue pursuing operators that target Australian consumers through prohibited gambling services.
Australia’s Tough Stance on Online Poker
Australia has some of the world’s strictest online gambling regulations.
While licensed sports betting and lotteries remain available, real-money online poker is effectively prohibited for Australian residents unless specifically permitted under Australian law. The ACMA has spent recent years blocking offshore gambling websites, issuing enforcement notices, and pursuing operators through the courts.
The latest ruling represents one of the largest financial penalties ever imposed in relation to illegal online poker services in Australia and reinforces the regulator’s intention to continue targeting businesses that attempt to operate outside the country’s gambling laws.
