The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) recently published a report detailing their actions against illegal gambling activities surrounding the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, hosted jointly by Australia and New Zealand.
Extent of Investigation
Prior to and during the Women’s World Cup, the ACMA meticulously reviewed 200 offshore gambling services, leading to investigations into 21 specific services. Among these, a significant number—18 services to be exact—were found to be operating in violation of Australia’s Interactive Gambling Act 2001. This breach encompassed a range of illicit activities, including offering online casino games, slots, and in-play betting, all of which are prohibited under Australian law.
Consequences of Illegal Operations
Upon identifying these illegal operations, the ACMA took decisive action. Three services voluntarily withdrew from the Australian market, thus restricting access to Australian users. However, for the remaining 15 services that persisted in contravention of the law, more stringent measures were employed.
ACMA’s Response
The ACMA, through its authority, issued formal warnings to the non-compliant services. Subsequently, in a bid to protect Australian consumers, the ACMA requested internet service providers (ISPs) to block access to the websites of these offending services. This strategic move aimed to curtail the reach and influence of these unlawful entities during a time when public interest and engagement in sports-related gambling activities are heightened.
Impact on Consumer Protection
Carolyn Lidgerwood, an ACMA authority member specializing in online gambling, emphasized the risks associated with patronizing such unauthorized platforms. She highlighted the absence of essential consumer protections that licensed gambling services in Australia are mandated to provide. Unlike legal operators, these illicit platforms do not guarantee fair play, winnings, or any recourse in case of disputes—making them a perilous choice for unsuspecting consumers.
Ongoing Efforts
In light of continued threats posed by illegal gambling sites, the ACMA has sustained its vigilance. Recent actions included the blocking of additional unlawful betting sites, such as Lucky7even, Zota Bet, Casino Infinity, and 50 Crowns, through cooperation with ISPs.
The ACMA’s response to illegal gambling activities surrounding the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup underscores the critical need for robust enforcement measures to safeguard consumers and uphold regulatory standards in the digital age. By blocking access to rogue operators and raising public awareness, authorities like the ACMA are playing a pivotal role in combatting the proliferation of illicit online gambling. This ongoing effort not only protects vulnerable consumers but also preserves the integrity of legitimate gambling services within Australia.