Gambling scams: What they are and how to stay safe

Estimated reading time
 5 min

Key points

• "Scambling” or “ding‑ding” means fake gambling online
• They can look like pokies or casino games, but aren’t real
• They hook you in with free spins or big wins
• You might be asked to pay using PayID, crypto, bank transfer or card
• Once your money is in, you might not get it back

Have you ever seen an online pokies or betting site that looked a bit too flashy or too good to be true?

Online gambling scams (also called “scambling” or “ding‑ding”) are happening more and more, especially on social media. The sites and apps can look real and promise big bonuses, which makes them easy to fall for - but they are fake. People can lose a lot of money, and their personal details (including financial information) can be stolen. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your gut, it can help keep you safe.

What are gambling scams?

Gambling scams are fake online gambling websites or apps. They can look like pokies (slots), blackjack, scratchies, or betting, but they’re not real. They are set up to take your money and not give it back.

These sites can use bright designs, big bonuses, friend referral rewards and social media ads to look real. However, these are scam websites which are not run by a licensed gambling provider.

What could go wrong if I play on scam gambling sites?

• You could lose your money
• Someone could steal your personal details and use them for fraud
• Scammers may keep taking your money even after you stop using the site
• Sharing or sending money like this can involve money‑laundering - and that’s a crime
• Losing money can cause a lot of stress and can affect family or relationships, especially for people already doing it tough

How gambling scams work

Many fake gambling sites make it easy to put money in, but hard to get it back. Once you send money, they may:

• Delay or stop you from getting your money back
• Ask you to pay “extra fees” to release your winnings
• Say your account needs checking or “verification”
• Make up reasons why your money hasn’t arrived (e.g. blaming the bank)
• Stop replying to your messages
• Shut down the website or app

Scammers may keep taking money from your bank account without your permission. They may push you to send more money by promising bigger bonuses or faster payouts.

Red flags of a gambling scam

• You can only pay using PayID, crypto, bank transfer, or card
• The provider is not listed as a licensed gambling provider on the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) register
• Gambling site is shared on social media or messaging apps
• Ads show “big win” stories that seem too good to be true
• You can’t withdraw your money

Case study

Rachel signed up to a flashy pokies-style website after seeing ads for free spins and big bonuses. To play, she sent $50–$150 using PayID to different accounts.

The site showed she had won big amounts, including $8,500, but when she tried to take the money out, it disappeared. Later, she was locked out of the site and couldn’t get back in.

How to protect yourself from gambling scams

 STOP.

Don’t rush if the ad or message creates urgency or promises a limited‑time bonus.

 CHECK.

Look out for red flags:

• Is the website or app not listed on the ACMA website?
• Does the website or app ask you to transfer money by PayID, crypto, bank transfer or card?

 PROTECT.

Act quickly if something doesn’t feel right.

• Change passwords for any accounts connected to the app or site;
• Delete these apps from your phone;
• Report the scam to your bank and other support services (e.g. ACMA, Scamwatch and ReportCyber);
• Don’t share your banking details (like your passwords, PINs or one-time passcode (OTP) with anyone;
• You can talk to your family and friends about gambling scams and the risks, especially if someone shared a link in your community.

Where to get support if you think you’ve been scammed

If you suspect fraud on your account or have shared financial information or transferred money as a result of this scam, please contact your bank. If you bank with ANZ, please contact us straightaway. Our Customer Protection Team is available 24/7 to help you.

You can also report scams to the Australian Government’s Scamwatch and the Australian Cyber Security Centre’s ReportCyber.

For additional support with identity or cyber security concerns, you can reach out to IDCare, a not-for-profit organisation offering expert support and frontline insights into scams, identity theft and cybercrime.