Six more illegal gambling sites blocked in latest ACMA crackdown
Regulator orders ISPs to prohibit access to casino sites targeting the country, bringing the total barred so far to almost 700
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has moved to block a further six offshore gambling platforms.
Internet service providers (ISPs) in Australia – where online games of chance are prohibited – have been ordered by the ACMA to prevent access to Boomerang Casino, Olympia Casino, Pokie Surf, Rock n Reels, Stellar Spins and 24 Casino for breaching the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
Getting ISPs to block websites is just one of the actions available to prevent Australian players from illegal online gambling, although it can be a case of whack-a-mole.
Since the regulator made its first blocking request in November 2019, a total of 686 illegal gambling platforms and affiliate sites have been banned from serving Australians following changes to the offshore gambling regulations in 2017.
Over 190 “illegal services” have also voluntarily withdrawn from the market in the same timeframe.
Other actions the ACMA takes to prevent the use of unlicensed online gambling sites include industry engagement, targeted enforcement and public education.
An ACMA spokesperson said: “ACMA is reminding consumers that even if a service looks legitimate, it’s unlikely to have important customer protections.
“This means Australians who use illegal gambling services risk losing their money. You can check if a wagering service is licensed to operate in Australia on our register.”
In December, the Alliance for Gambling Reform branded the ACMA a “toothless tiger”.