The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has issued official warnings to multiple online gambling operators for violating the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA). These warnings highlight breaches related to offering casino-style games and esports betting to Australian customers without the necessary licenses from Australian regulators.
Specific Offenses and Operators:
Mad Entertainment (Golden Lion): Investigated for multiple breaches, including offering casino-style games to Australian customers without a proper license and having an Australian-facing link.
Paloma Media (Thunderpick): Found in violation for similar offenses related to offering esports betting without an Australian license and providing access to Australian customers.
Dama and Friolion Limited (Betibet): Warned for Betibet being accessible to customers with an Australian internet carriage service. Dama also faced additional warnings for enabling Greenspin, Slotman, and Jeetcity to operate in Australia without proper licenses.
Additional Violations: Ladbrokes, Neds, bet365, and Sportsbet were recently found to have breached in-play betting rules, showcasing an increased regulatory focus in Australia.
Interactive Gambling Act (IGA) Compliance:
Sites are deemed to have an Australian customer link if any or all customers are physically present in the country.
Offering gambling services includes allowing customers to pay money to play games of chance or skill with the possibility of receiving money in return.
ACMA’s Regulatory Measures:
To safeguard customers, ACMA maintains a list of approved gambling providers on its website. Approved providers hold licenses from recognized Australian regulatory bodies such as Liquor and Gaming NSW, the Northern Territory Racing Commission, the Victorian Gaming and Casino Control Commission, or Queensland Racing Integrity Commission.
The ACMA’s warnings underscore the strict regulatory environment in Australia, emphasizing the importance of compliance with the Interactive Gambling Act. These actions aim to protect Australian consumers by ensuring that online gambling operators adhere to the country’s legal framework. The recent focus on both traditional and emerging forms of online betting highlights the evolving nature of regulatory oversight in the Australian gambling industry.