The Australian Federal Court has imposed penalties totaling over $24 million on Brisbane Poker and associated individuals for operating prohibited online poker services. The fines target the operators behind the PPPfish, Shuffle Gaming, and Redraw Poker brands.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) confirmed the judgments regarding breaches of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. Brisbane Poker received a penalty of $15 million, while Rhys Edward Jones was fined $9 million. Brenton Lee Buttigieg, who admitted to aiding the provision of these services, was ordered to pay $240,000.
Regulatory Actions and Future Restrictions
The court issued restraining orders effective for a five-year period alongside the financial penalties. Rhys Edward Jones is prohibited from providing interactive gambling services, and Brenton Lee Buttigieg is barred from aiding or abetting such operations. Both Jones and Brisbane Poker were also ordered to cover the ACMA’s legal costs for the proceedings.
The regulatory body launched its investigation into Australian online poker services in April 2022. The court formally ruled on the contraventions in 2025, confirming that the entities had provided prohibited interactive gambling services. ACMA chair Nerida O’Loughlin stated that the ruling emphasizes the serious consequences for companies targeting Australian consumers with illegal gambling options.