Australia’s communications regulator has ordered internet providers to block 19 more illegal gambling and affiliate marketing sites after finding they were operating in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. The latest action was announced by the Australian Communications and Media Authority, or ACMA, on April 16.
The blocked sites are Bass Bet, BetWhale, CasinOK, Cleobetra, Diva Spin, FatPirate, Free Spinz, Gransino, JackBit, Legiano, Mafia Casino, Magius, Monster Win, NewLucky, Nonbetstop.com, Slotexo, Talismania, Tiki Casino and Vegas Hero.
Total blocked sites now reaches 1,640
The new batch takes the total number of illegal gambling and affiliate websites blocked by ACMA to 1,640 since the regulator made its first blocking request in November 2019. More than 230 illegal services have also left the Australian market since ACMA began enforcing stronger illegal online gambling rules in 2017.
Website blocking is only one part of ACMA’s enforcement toolkit. The regulator can also issue formal notices, infringement notices, enforceable undertakings, remedial directions, and referrals to police or prosecutors. It can also report company directors and principals to Australia’s border protection agency, which may disrupt travel to Australia.
ACMA continues to focus on player protection
Illegal services may look legitimate but often do not offer the customer protections required in Australia. The regulator warns that people who use these sites risk losing their money and may have little recourse if something goes wrong. It directs consumers to its public register to check whether a wagering service is licensed to operate in Australia.
Under the Interactive Gambling Act, civil penalties for breaking the rules can reach up to A$2.475 million per day for an individual and A$12.375 million per day for a corporation. The law also covers anyone who helps someone else break the rules.
Regulator keeps widening online gambling enforcement
The latest blocking order shows that ACMA is still widening its enforcement work in online gambling. Alongside website blocking, the regulator is also pursuing operators over issues such as advertising and self-exclusion compliance, showing that its focus is not limited to offshore casino sites alone.
