The Australian media watchdog, ACMA, has taken steps against 18 illicit wagering platforms, directing internet providers within the country to restrict user access.
This regulatory organization, tasked with overseeing communications and media, indicated that it initiated an inquiry following multiple public complaints regarding these 18 unlicensed, overseas online betting sites. The inquiry determined that these platforms were in breach of the 2001 Interactive Gambling Act.
Syndicate Casino, iLucki, King Billy Casino, Gunsbet, Spinago, Fast Pay Casino, Get Slots, and King Johnnie are included in the list of offending websites now blocked at the ACMA’s behest. The agency emphasized that, “Australian patrons currently using these platforms are advised to retrieve any funds promptly.”
Restricting website access represents one of several enforcement methods employed to combat unlawful online gambling within Australia, the agency explained, highlighting that a cumulative total of 222 such platforms have been blocked since its inaugural blocking request in November 2019.
The ACMA further noted that over 100 unauthorized operators have withdrawn from the Australian market since the agency began implementing new regulations targeting illicit offshore gambling operations in 2017.
“Website blocking presents a valuable chance to inform the public about illegal gambling services through the message displayed when attempting to reach the site,” the ACMA concluded in its announcement.
During the month of November, the Australian regulatory body responsible for communications and media (ACMA) released a notice to all telecommunications companies holding licenses. This notice stressed the critical nature of complying with established guidelines concerning the promotion of wagering activities. This action followed the ACMA’s discovery of confusion among these companies regarding the existing regulations, specifically in relation to honoring requests from consumers seeking to limit their exposure to gambling advertisements.
