Scam gambling and fake betting sites - NAB
What is scam gambling or ‘scambling’?
Scam gambling (sometimes known as scambling, or Ding Ding or Gammon Ding Ding in First Nations languages) are fake or illegal online gambling, betting sites or applications (apps). They’re often advertised on social media, messaging services, chat groups or websites.
Australians lost $2.4 million to these scams in 2025.
Scambling can take many forms. It can include:
- offshore casinos
- bingo groups
- scam online slot machines.
It can also include ‘PayID pokies’, which convince people to deposit funds for gambling websites and apps by transferring funds to accounts using PayID. You may even be asked to share personal information or identity documents to access “winnings”.
These websites are often unlicenced and unregulated in Australia, meaning they provide you with no protections or guarantees.
Steps to help protect yourself from illegal or scam gambling sites
You can help protect yourself, family and friends by remembering these three simple steps: Stop. Check. Protect.
Stop before you act
If you see gambling or betting services promoted through social media, chat groups, text messages or ads – stop to consider – could this be a scam?
Never send money to unlock “winnings”, recover losses or prove your identity.
Check before you share
- Use the ACMA website (Australian Communications and Media Authority) to check if a gambling service is legal in Australia before you sign up or pay money.
- Be cautious of services asking for repeated small payments to different accounts or PayIDs.
- Don’t share identity documents unless you are certain you are dealing with a regulated business in Australia.
- Never share your account details or agree to receive and send money on behalf of someone else. Most likely this money has been stolen from someone else or may be used for illegal activity that harms other people.
- If you have used one of these sites, be alert to other scams. This can include offers to recover your money for a fee. These are known as fund recovery scams.
Protect if you suspect
Acting quickly if something doesn’t feel right goes a long way in helping to protect your money and information.
If you’re a NAB customer and believe you may be involved in a scam, please call 13 22 65 immediately and ask for the Digital Fraud and Scams Team, or visit your local branch.
If you’re a First Nations NAB customer, you can call our First Nations Customer Support Line on 1800 966 100.
How do I help my friends or family avoid scam or illegal gambling sites?
- If you see one of these websites on social media, report the page.
- Discuss the dangers of scambling, Ding Ding or Gammon Ding Ding, and share this information with them.
Red flags of illegal or scam gambling sites
Who to contact for help
- Need gambling support? We can help.
- Visit First Nations customer support, or you can call our First Nations Customer Support Line 1800 966 100.
Report fraud
Learn how to identify if you’ve been affected by fraud or scams, what you can do immediately or how to contact us to report suspected fraud.
Helpful resources
How we can help
If you’re a NAB customer and you believe your business or personal accounts have been impacted by fraud or a scam, we’re here to help. Explore the immediate steps you can take to protect yourself and discover when you should get in touch with us to make a report.
Learn what to do in the event of fraud or scams
Get updates on the latest fraud alerts
IDCARE
IDCARE is Australia and New Zealand's not-for-profit counselling and support service set up to assist Australians impacted by identity theft and cyber-related crimes.
IDCARE can assist NAB customers to navigate through the process when identity details or credentials have been compromised through fraud or scams. IDCARE is a free service for all Australians.
Australian Government | Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC)
The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) brings cyber security capabilities from across the Australian Government together in a single location. It’s the hub for private and public sector collaboration and information sharing to combat cyber security threats. ACSC provides topical, relevant and timely information on how home internet users and small businesses can protect themselves from, and reduce the risk of, cyber security threats such as software vulnerabilities, online scams, malicious activities and risky online behaviours.
Learn more about the Australian Cyber Security Centre
Australian Government | ReportCyber
ReportCyber is a secure reporting and referral service for cybercrime and online incidents which may be in breach of Australian law. The ReportCyber website provides a cybercrime reporting mechanism as well as helpful information about cybercrime.
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission | Scamwatch
Scamwatch provides information to consumers and small businesses about how to recognise, avoid and report scams using publications, videos and other online resources.
Australian Government | Office of the eSafety Commissioner
The Office of the eSafety Commissioner provides online safety education for Australian children and young people, a complaints service for young Australians who experience serious cyberbullying, and address illegal online content.
Learn more about the Office of the eSafety Commissioner
Australian Government | Attorney-General’s Department
The Attorney-General’s Department website provides helpful information and resources about your rights and protections in regards to identity security, freedom of information and cyber security. The Department has developed a range of resources to assist people to protect their identity and recover from the effects of identity crime.
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Fund Recovery Scam
Learn the signs of a fund recovery scam so you can protect yourself and your family.
Important information
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