The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has been actively enforcing regulations under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 to combat illegal gambling activities. Recently, there have been significant developments in the blocking of illicit gambling websites and the regulation of gambling advertisements during sports events.
Blocking of Illegal Gambling Websites:
ACMA has intensified its efforts to block websites that breach the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. Notably, Richard Casino and Wanted Win were identified for offering prohibited interactive gambling services without proper licensing. This crackdown is part of ACMA’s broader strategy to protect Australian consumers from unauthorized gambling platforms.
Since its inception, ACMA has successfully blocked over 1,000 illegal gambling and affiliate websites. Examples include Jogi Casino, Dundee Slots, and Lucky Hunter, all of which were found operating in violation of Australian gambling laws.
Regulation of Gambling Advertisements:
In addition to website blocking, ACMA has targeted inappropriate gambling advertisements, particularly during live sports broadcasts. For instance, Kayo, a sports streaming service owned by Hubbl, aired multiple gambling ads during prohibited hours. This action underscores ACMA’s commitment to enforcing strict guidelines on when and where gambling promotions can be broadcasted.
During the Women’s FIFA World Cup in 2023, ACMA issued warnings to several operators, including Mad Entertainment (Golden Lion) and Paloma Media (Thunderpick), for breaching advertising regulations under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
Impact and Enforcement Actions:
The crackdown on illegal gambling activities reflects ACMA’s proactive stance in safeguarding the integrity of Australia’s gambling laws. By blocking websites and penalizing advertisers, ACMA aims to create a safer online environment for Australian consumers, free from unauthorized and potentially harmful gambling practices.
ACMA’s recent actions against illegal gambling websites and improper gambling advertisements highlight the ongoing challenges and regulatory responses in Australia’s digital gambling landscape. Moving forward, ACMA remains committed to enforcing stringent measures to uphold the standards set forth in the Interactive Gambling Act 2001, ensuring a secure and responsible gambling environment for all Australians.