Key Points
- Over AU$24 million in fines have been imposed by Australia’s Federal Court on unlawful online poker platform operators.
- PPPfish, Shuffle Gaming, and Redraw Poker were all found guilty of violating the Interactive Gambling Act.
- Brisbane Poker Pty Ltd faced the steepest penalty, totaling AU$15 million.
- Company director Rhys Edward Jones was personally fined AU$9 million for his involvement.
- Total penalties from related prosecutions now exceed AU$29.24 million.
Australia’s Federal Court has imposed fines exceeding AU$24 million on a group of unlicensed online poker operations. The decision specifically addresses operators who continued accepting Australian customers in defiance of the country’s prohibition on such services.
Three poker platforms were at the center of the prosecution: PPPfish, Shuffle Gaming, and Redraw Poker. Each brand was determined to have violated the Interactive Gambling Act.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority spearheaded the investigation. The regulatory body dedicated several years to developing its case before initiating legal proceedings.
Judges determined that these platforms allowed users to purchase virtual chips. These chips were then convertible to actual currency, bringing the operations under Australia’s gambling regulatory framework.
Brisbane Poker Pty Ltd faced the most substantial financial penalty among the defendants. The organization was mandated to pay AU$15 million.
Rhys Edward Jones, serving as company director, received a personal fine of AU$9 million. He was deemed directly accountable for his participation in managing the business.
Brenton Lee Buttigieg also faced financial consequences for his involvement. He was ordered to pay AU$240,000 for his role in marketing and maintaining the poker services.
Multi-Year Investigation Culminates in Penalties
ACMA initially brought the matter before the Federal Court in April 2022. Investigators conducted an extensive examination of the poker platforms’ operational structure.
In November 2025, the court determined that Brisbane Poker and Jones had violated gambling legislation. Buttigieg subsequently acknowledged his participation prior to the announcement of financial sanctions.
The current penalties supplement a prior AU$5 million fine issued in 2023. That earlier judgment involved Diverse Link Pty Ltd, a connected entity.
In total, enforcement actions against this network have accumulated to AU$29.24 million. Brisbane Poker and Jones were additionally required to reimburse ACMA’s litigation expenses.
Continued Enforcement Against Unlicensed Platforms
Online poker has remained prohibited in Australia since 2001 under the Interactive Gambling Act. Legislative amendments in 2017 expanded ACMA’s enforcement capabilities.
These enhanced authorities enable the regulator to seek civil penalties and implement website restrictions. ACMA also collaborates with international regulators to address offshore gambling operations.
Since stricter enforcement began, over 230 unlicensed gambling services have withdrawn from the Australian marketplace. Internet service providers have blocked access to more than 1,700 prohibited gambling and affiliated websites.
ACMA emphasizes that unlicensed operators fail to provide the consumer safeguards required of licensed businesses. Casino-style offerings including poker, roulette, and blackjack remain prohibited for online play in Australia.
Licensed providers may still offer wagering on sporting events and horse racing. These operations function under licensing frameworks established by states and territories.
This judgment represents one of the most substantial penalties ACMA has obtained against unlawful online poker enterprises. The prosecution demonstrates the regulator’s commitment to pursuing enforcement actions years after initial investigations commence.
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