ACMA Blocks Illegal Gambling Websites:
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has taken decisive action to block four illegal gambling and affiliate marketing websites, marking another significant step in its ongoing efforts to enforce the nation’s gambling laws. The sites affected include Casino Australia Online, Pokies.bet, Pokiesman, and Smart Pokies, all of which were found to be operating in violation of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
Regulatory Enforcement to Safeguard the Public
The ACMA’s decision to block these websites is part of a broader strategy to protect Australians from the risks associated with illegal gambling services. The regulator stated that these sites were providing prohibited interactive gambling services, such as online casinos, slot machines, and in-play sports betting, which are illegal under Australian law. Additionally, the websites were offering unlicensed online betting services to Australian customers, further breaching regulatory requirements.
Comprehensive Actions by ACMA
This latest enforcement action is not an isolated incident. Earlier this month, the ACMA released its Action on Interactive Gambling report for the second quarter of 2024, detailing its extensive efforts to crack down on illegal gambling activities. During this period, the ACMA responded to 514 inquiries and complaints, conducted 14 investigations, identified 17 breaches of the Interactive Gambling Act, issued 15 formal warnings, and blocked access to 50 websites and 359 URLs.
Since the ACMA first began requesting website blocks in November 2019, a total of 1,026 illegal gambling and affiliate marketing websites have been blocked in Australia. The regulator’s actions have also led to the withdrawal of over 220 illegal gambling services from the Australian market, demonstrating the effectiveness of its enforcement measures.
Consumer Protection Warning
The ACMA is reminding Australian consumers that illegal gambling websites often lack crucial consumer protections. Without these safeguards, Australian laws cannot intervene if problems arise, such as service providers withholding winnings or engaging in unfair practices. The ACMA advises consumers to verify the legitimacy of online wagering services by checking if they are licensed to operate in Australia, which can be done through the regulator’s online register.
This ongoing effort by the ACMA underscores its commitment to protecting Australian consumers from the dangers of illegal gambling and ensuring that the country’s gambling industry operates within the legal framework set by the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
