The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has recently requested that Australian internet service providers (ISPs) block an additional set of illegal gambling websites, bringing its tally to more than 1,000 websites blocked in the last five years.
Since the ACMA issued its first website blocking request in November 2019, a total of 1,011 illegal gambling and affiliate websites have now been blocked.
Additionally, over 220 illegal gambling operators have withdrawn from the Australian market since the ACMA began enforcing offshore gambling laws.
The latest sites to be blocked include Richard Casino, Wanted Win, and other services found to be operating in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 after investigations by the ACMA.
Website blocking is one of the key enforcement tools the ACMA can use to shield Australians from prohibited interactive gambling services, such as online casinos, online slot machines, and unlicensed online betting platforms.
The regulator can take this action if a service is either providing or offering unlicensed regulated interactive gambling services to customers in Australia; or publishing ads for prohibited or unlicensed regulated interactive gambling services in Australia.
‘Even if an online gambling service appears legitimate, it’s unlikely to have the important consumer protections that our laws require,’ the ACMA warned. ‘This means we can’t help if something goes wrong, like if the provider withholds winnings.’
The regulator is encouraging Australian consumers to check its public register to verify if a wagering service holds a valid license to operate in the country.
