The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has taken further steps to protect Australian consumers by ordering internet service providers (ISPs) to block additional illegal gambling and affiliate marketing websites. This decision follows a series of investigations revealing that these websites were operating in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001, offering unlicensed and prohibited gambling services to Australian customers.
Expanding the list of blocked sites:
The ACMA’s latest enforcement actions have targeted several online platforms that were found to be providing illegal gambling services. Among the newly blocked sites are Casino Australia Online, Pokies.bet, Pokiesman, and Smart Pokies. These platforms were involved in offering services such as online casinos, slot machines, and in-play online sports betting—all of which are illegal under Australian law when provided without a proper license.
This move is part of a comprehensive effort by the ACMA to safeguard the Australian public from the dangers associated with unregulated online gambling. According to the authority’s press release, the ACMA utilizes website blocking as a key enforcement tool to prevent access to illegal gambling services. This measure is implemented when a service is found to be offering prohibited interactive gambling services to Australian customers, operating without a valid Australian license, or promoting such illegal services through advertisements.
Since the ACMA began issuing blocking requests in November 2019, the authority has successfully blocked 1,026 illegal gambling and affiliate websites. In addition to these blocks, the ACMA’s stringent enforcement of offshore gambling regulations has led to over 220 illegal services voluntarily exiting the Australian market. These efforts highlight the ACMA’s commitment to maintaining a safe and regulated online gambling environment in Australia.
The ACMA has consistently emphasized the importance of consumer awareness when engaging with online gambling services. Even when a site appears legitimate, it may still be operating illegally and lacking the consumer protections that licensed services are required to provide. Without these protections, Australians are vulnerable to various risks, such as the withholding of winnings or other unfair practices by unregulated operators. To assist consumers, the ACMA provides a register where Australians can verify the licensing status of wagering services operating in the country.
Protecting Australian consumers:
The ACMA continues to encourage Australian consumers to take proactive steps in protecting themselves from illegal gambling operators. The authority’s website offers valuable resources and guidance on how to identify and avoid unregulated gambling services. In addition, the ACMA provides clear instructions on how consumers can file complaints against illegal gambling sites, helping to ensure that these sites are swiftly dealt with.
The ongoing actions by the ACMA to block illegal gambling websites are part of a broader strategy to enforce compliance with Australian gambling laws. The authority is dedicated to ensuring that all gambling services operating within Australia are properly licensed and adhere to the legal framework designed to protect consumers. By continuing to block illegal sites and removing unlicensed operators from the market, the ACMA aims to create a safer online environment for all Australians.