How Australians are bypassing casino site blockages

Australia has severe restrictions on access to international online casinos. The Australian Communications and Media Service (ACMA) regularly blocks domains that violate local legislation that prohibits the provision of interactive gambling services without a license. Despite this, many users continue to access blocked platforms using technical ways to bypass restrictions.

Why are casino sites blocked?

Since 2017, ACMA has been empowered to ask Internet providers to block illegal gambling sites. The list includes:
  • Casino without an Australian licence
  • Platforms with aggressive marketing
  • Player complaint sites
  • Casinos that violate the rules of responsible play

Blocking is carried out at the DNS or IP level, but does not affect the site content itself. This technically circumvents the ban.

Main ways to bypass locks

1. VPN (Virtual Private Network)

The most popular way among Australians. VPN changes the IP address, masking geolocation.

Pros:
  • Full access to blocked sites
  • Traffic encryption
  • Anonymity

Cons:
  • Some casinos ban VPNs in rules
  • It is possible to block an account upon detection
  • High ping and possible delays

2. Casino mirrors

A mirror is an alternative domain that leads to the same platform.

Pros:
  • Works without VPN
  • Often created officially by the casino itself

Cons:
  • Mirrors also get blocked over time
  • Possible fake mirrors leading to phishing sites

3. DNS Server Change

Users change the standard DNS provider (for example, Telstra) to an alternative: Google (8. 8. 8. 8), Cloudflare (1. 1. 1. 1), etc.

Pros:
  • Bypasses simple DNS locks
  • Fast and free

Cons:
  • Does not work with IP blocking
  • Requires manual adjustment
  • Does not provide encryption and protection

4. Anonymous browsers

Tor or built-in VPNs are used in browsers (Opera, Brave).

Pros:
  • Does not require a separate VPN
  • Built-in protection and lock bypass

Cons:
  • Connection slowdown
  • Some casinos restrict access through Tor

5. Casino Mobile Apps

Some platforms provide direct .apk files or a link to download the application, bypassing the browser and locks.

Pros:
  • Bypasses web filtering
  • Easy access from your phone

Cons:
  • Security risks when installing third-party applications
  • Limited functionality compared to the desktop version

What are the risks of bypass?

✘ Violation of casino user agreement (especially when using VPN)
✘ Loss of account access and winnings when bypass is detected
✘ Increased likelihood of encountering fraudulent sites
✘ Lack of legal protection if the site is not regulated by Australian authorities

Why do players continue to bypass locks?

Despite all the risks, thousands of Australians continue to play international venues because:
  • Local licensed offers are limited
  • Overseas casinos offer more bonuses and games
  • More freedom in choosing currencies, rates and providers
  • There is access to cryptocurrencies and modern functions

Conclusion

Foreign casino lockdowns in Australia are regulated at the state level, but they are technically easy to get around. Users use VPNs, mirrors, alternative DNS, anonymous browsers and applications to maintain access to their favorite platforms. However, when using such methods, it is important to remember the possible consequences - from technical problems to loss of winnings. If you decide to bypass the lock, do it consciously and only on proven platforms.