Scambling explained: what you should know

Scams keep changing shape, and one of the newer terms entering Australia’s anti-scam vocabulary is “scambling”, blending scam and gambling.

Scambling matters because it often disguises itself as entertainment. Promoted through social media posts, messaging groups and referral links, the websites and apps are typically slick, colourful and convincing. But behind the polished front, victims can be tricked into sending money, handing over personal information, or even becoming involved in money laundering without realising it.

At Optus, we’re monitoring how scam tactics evolve to help Australians better recognise the warning signs. Here’s what scambling is, how it works, and some suggestions if you come across it.

What is scambling?

According to AUSTRAC, Australia’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulator, "Scambling is slang for online gambling platforms advertised on social media and messaging app groups that tricks people to visit a scam website to participate in gambling." If you're being asked to send funds to a PayID, it's almost certainly a scambling scam, though scambling schemes may also attempt to steal your personal and identification information.

"These online gambling platforms are mostly controlled offshore, marketed through mainstream social media platforms and available in app stores," AUSTRAC wrote in a November 2025 report.

These scams can also be present on social media platforms in ads or posts. Think about when you're on social media, and you see an ad or post for what appears to be a gambling website promoting, for example, an exclusive offer. When you travel to the webpage being promoted, you're encouraged to enter personal and banking details, compromising your interests. You may also be directed to a non-authorised gambling operator. These are signs of scambling.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) warns that scammers often ask their victims to make low-value payments to multiple PayIDs. To build trust with players, scambling websites can allow for small withdrawals to begin with, or offer bonuses for referring friends and family, or advertise positive reviews. None of these indicate that the service is legitimate.

Additionally, scambling websites may look visually like a pokie machine or casino, involving flashy graphics, live transaction tables and other telltale signs that you can read about below. Australians may be lured into gambling and be unable to access withdrawals.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority strongly advises against participating in gambling on online gambling websites "because players have reported being denied access to their winnings or funds."

How do I spot scambling?

Scambling involves a range of tactics, commonly using high-pressure language where you're encouraged to act quick to get a deal or participate in an unmissable opportunity. It can also take the form of an illegal gambling operator, such as those not included on ACMA’s gambling register.

This may take the form of a social media post where an online casino is being promoted. A post may also discuss needing "employees" for casino work online, or a request to "rent your bank to us," with these types of posts being telltale signs of scambling and unlawful online casino operation. AUSTRAC provides visual examples in this handy fact sheet, and describes them as "flashy and inviting".

Such scambling websites feature colourful graphics, pop culture references, AI art, and suggestive content. The illegal gambling websites referred to in this paper have strong similarities to each other," AUSTRAC wrote.

Other telltale signs provided by AUSTRAC include:

• A section to log in and sign up
• A live transaction table, which lists deposits and withdrawals for different phone numbers
• Animated characters and pop culture imagery
• A toolbar with four to five options: home, history, promotions, live chat, and settings are most common
• Announcements that instruct visitors on the best practices for transferring funds
• Language options offering English and Mandarin only
• Affiliate and partner casinos
• Lists of possible bonuses available to players
• A large list of the different games on offer.

Is online gambling always legal in Australia?

Only some forms are legal in Australia, and that is where confusion helps scammers attempting to scamble you.

Online casinos, real-money pokies and in-play sports betting are banned services in Australia. Legal operators must be on ACMA’s register of licensed interactive gambling providers. If a provider is not on that register, avoid it.

What do I do if I or someone I know has been scambled?

Scambling is an emerging threat to Australians but know that you can get help. If you've been scambled, AUSTRAC recommends contacting your bank or your local financial counsellor, and if someone you know has been scambled, encourage them to take the same actions. Call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 for assistance, along with your local police station.

If you believe you've spotted an unauthorised gambling outlet, report it to ACMA directly.
Additionally, report the scam to Scamwatch immediately. Reporting a scam to Scamwatch helps the program take action and stop scammers in their tracks.

Organisations including Optus, financial institutions, charities and government organisations may also have avenues of reporting scams directly to them. For Optus customers, if you believe someone is attempting to phish for your Optus details, you can let us know by contacting us. You can also tell us about SMS scams via ScamWise in My Optus App.