The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has taken action to block access to 11 offshore gambling websites in Australia. Following investigations, the ACMA identified Pokie Island, Rich Palms, Lucky Tiger Casino, Megaslot, Bitkingz, Parimatchwin, Casino Rocket, Montecryptos, Cabarino, Robin Roo, and Jackpot Jill VIP as operating in violation of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. The ACMA has deemed these sites to be illegally offering online gambling services within the country and has requested internet service providers (ISPs) to block access to them.
Continued Crackdown on Illegal Gambling:
The ACMA’s recent request for blocking marks another step in its ongoing efforts to combat illegal offshore gambling in Australia. Since November 2019, a total of 555 illicit gambling websites have been blocked as a result of the ACMA’s actions. Furthermore, over 170 websites have voluntarily exited the Australian market since the enforcement of new regulations targeting illegal offshore gambling in 2017.
Protecting Consumers and Raising Awareness:
The primary objective of website blocking is to protect Australian consumers from the risks associated with unregulated gambling services. When attempting to access blocked sites, users are met with informational messages, effectively alerting them to the illegality of these operations. The ACMA emphasizes that even if a gambling service appears legitimate, it lacks the necessary customer protections, making it risky for Australians to engage with such platforms and risking potential financial losses.
Significant Blocking Request:
In addition to the recent block requests, the ACMA has made a notable move against Thepokies.net, considering it one of its most significant requests to date. The site is estimated to have processed payments worth millions of dollars, and data from Similarweb indicates a monthly traffic of approximately 30,000 Australian visitors. Consequently, the ACMA’s decision to block access to Thepokies.net is expected to be one of the most high-profile cases since the regulatory tool’s implementation in November 2019.
National Self-Exclusion Register:
In the coming year (2022-23), the ACMA plans to launch a national self-exclusion register. This register will enable individuals to exclude themselves from accessing online gambling services, providing a crucial tool for those seeking to manage and control their gambling habits. The introduction of the register reflects the ACMA’s commitment to addressing problem gambling and promoting responsible gambling practices in Australia.
The ACMA’s proactive measures to block access to illegal offshore gambling websites demonstrate its dedication to protecting Australian consumers and combating unregulated online gambling. By identifying and blocking these sites, the ACMA aims to raise public awareness about the risks associated with engaging in illegal gambling activities.
The introduction of a national self-exclusion register further signifies the authority’s commitment to providing individuals with tools to manage their gambling behavior. Through these efforts, the ACMA endeavors to create a safer online gambling environment in Australia and safeguard the welfare of its citizens.