Where to complain if the casino allowed a minor
Introduction
In accordance with the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 and regional laws of Australia, participation in online gambling is allowed for persons over 18 years of age. If the operator violated this prohibition and accepted the registration or rate of a minor, this is a gross violation of the law. Below is a detailed algorithm of actions for filing an official complaint and protecting rights.
1. Step 1. Evidence gathering
1. Screenshots and logs
Take screenshots of the "personal account" page, where you can see that the account is registered to the child (date of birth, age).
Save the correspondence with technical support, where the fact of admission of a minor is confirmed.
Record the date, time and IP address of access (if possible through the history of visits).
2. Operator Information
Specify the exact name of the casino, its domain, country of registration and licensing authority (usually indicated in the basement of the site).
Copy the license number or link to the license page.
3. Minor data
Name or alias specified during registration.
Contact details of the parent or legal representative (to confirm the fact of minority).
2. Step 2. Complaint to ACMA
The Australian Communications and Media Authority oversees the execution of the IGA.
1. Online Complaint Form
Go to acma. gov. au → «Complaints and enforcement» → «Interactive Gambling».
Fill out the form, attach evidence (screenshots, logs).
2. Content of the complaint
Clearly state: "Operator\[ name] accepted registration/allowed user rates under 18 years of age."
Indicate that the violation falls under section 16 of the IGA (prohibition of participation of minors).
3. Expected dates
Initial review - up to 30 working days.
Decision and order to remove or block content - within the next 60 days.
3. Step 3. eSafety Commissioner complaint
The Office of the eSafety Commissioner handles complaints about online content in general.
1. Filing a complaint
Visit esafety. gov. au → "Make a report" → select "Gambling content involving minors."
Attach descriptive materials and evidence.
2. Role of eSafety
Blocking accounts and pages on social networks (if the casino promotes services through YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok).
Sending an official requirement for sites to remove materials with the participation of minors.
3. Timeframe for response
Prior notice within 5 business days.
Full investigation up to 45 days.
4. Step 4. Appeal to state gambling commissions
Each state has its own regulator:
In the complaint, please specify:
5. Step 5. Complaint via payment systems
If the casino accepts online payments:
Report unauthorized or suspicious charges associated with a minor's account.
Request a refund and suspend this account.
2. Chargeback (dispute return)
File a dispute against the transaction, citing an age violation.
Banks consider such applications in an accelerated manner.
6. Step 6. Public and media resonance
1. Non-profit organizations and media
Supporting consumer rights organizations (CHOICE, Financial Counseling Australia).
Publications in the press and on thematic portals increase pressure on regulators and operators.
2. Social media and forums
Tell us about the case on thematic forums (Gambling Help Online, Reddit/r/australia).
Attracting public attention helps accelerate the response of the authorities.
Conclusion
A systematic approach to filing complaints - from ACMA and eSafety to regional commissions and banks - makes it possible to effectively suppress the admission of minors to online gambling. A clear record of facts, competent appeal to several instances and public outcry will ensure a quick response and protection of the rights of the child.
In accordance with the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 and regional laws of Australia, participation in online gambling is allowed for persons over 18 years of age. If the operator violated this prohibition and accepted the registration or rate of a minor, this is a gross violation of the law. Below is a detailed algorithm of actions for filing an official complaint and protecting rights.
1. Step 1. Evidence gathering
1. Screenshots and logs
Take screenshots of the "personal account" page, where you can see that the account is registered to the child (date of birth, age).
Save the correspondence with technical support, where the fact of admission of a minor is confirmed.
Record the date, time and IP address of access (if possible through the history of visits).
2. Operator Information
Specify the exact name of the casino, its domain, country of registration and licensing authority (usually indicated in the basement of the site).
Copy the license number or link to the license page.
3. Minor data
Name or alias specified during registration.
Contact details of the parent or legal representative (to confirm the fact of minority).
2. Step 2. Complaint to ACMA
The Australian Communications and Media Authority oversees the execution of the IGA.
1. Online Complaint Form
Go to acma. gov. au → «Complaints and enforcement» → «Interactive Gambling».
Fill out the form, attach evidence (screenshots, logs).
2. Content of the complaint
Clearly state: "Operator\[ name] accepted registration/allowed user rates under 18 years of age."
Indicate that the violation falls under section 16 of the IGA (prohibition of participation of minors).
3. Expected dates
Initial review - up to 30 working days.
Decision and order to remove or block content - within the next 60 days.
3. Step 3. eSafety Commissioner complaint
The Office of the eSafety Commissioner handles complaints about online content in general.
1. Filing a complaint
Visit esafety. gov. au → "Make a report" → select "Gambling content involving minors."
Attach descriptive materials and evidence.
2. Role of eSafety
Blocking accounts and pages on social networks (if the casino promotes services through YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok).
Sending an official requirement for sites to remove materials with the participation of minors.
3. Timeframe for response
Prior notice within 5 business days.
Full investigation up to 45 days.
4. Step 4. Appeal to state gambling commissions
Each state has its own regulator:
| State/Territory | Regulator | Contacts |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | NSW Office of Responsible Gambling | orgr. nsw\.gov. au, hotline: 1800 018 825 |
| Виктория | Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR) | vcglr. vic. gov. au, phone: (03) 6995 0999 |
| Queensland | Queensland Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation | olgr. qld. gov. au, email: [OLGR@justice. qld. gov. au](mailto: OLGR@justice. qld. gov. au) |
| Western Australia | Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries | dlgsc. wa. gov. au, phone: (08) 6551 4888 |
| South Australia | Consumer and Business Services | cbs. sa. gov. au, phone: 131 882 |
| Тасмания | Tasmanian Liquor and Gaming Commission | liquorandgaming. tas. gov. au, phone: (03) 6166 4000 |
| Northern Territory | Northern Territory Racing Commission | nt. gov. au/law/legislation/racing-commission |
| Australian Capital Territory | ACT Gambling and Racing Commission | gamingandracing. act. gov. au, phone: (02) 6207 0400 |
In the complaint, please specify:
- Operator license number.
- Link to the site and described evidence.
- Details of what happened (date, time, account).
5. Step 5. Complaint via payment systems
If the casino accepts online payments:
- 1. Bank or payment service
Report unauthorized or suspicious charges associated with a minor's account.
Request a refund and suspend this account.
2. Chargeback (dispute return)
File a dispute against the transaction, citing an age violation.
Banks consider such applications in an accelerated manner.
6. Step 6. Public and media resonance
1. Non-profit organizations and media
Supporting consumer rights organizations (CHOICE, Financial Counseling Australia).
Publications in the press and on thematic portals increase pressure on regulators and operators.
2. Social media and forums
Tell us about the case on thematic forums (Gambling Help Online, Reddit/r/australia).
Attracting public attention helps accelerate the response of the authorities.
Conclusion
A systematic approach to filing complaints - from ACMA and eSafety to regional commissions and banks - makes it possible to effectively suppress the admission of minors to online gambling. A clear record of facts, competent appeal to several instances and public outcry will ensure a quick response and protection of the rights of the child.
