ACMA to Block More Illegal Offshore Gambling Websites in Australia

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has escalated its efforts to combat illegal online gambling by requesting that internet service providers (ISPs) block additional offshore gambling websites found violating Australian regulations. The latest targets for blocking include sites like A Big Candy, Jackpoty, and John Vegas Casino, as announced by the ACMA.

Ongoing efforts to protect consumers:

This move is part of ACMA’s ongoing commitment to safeguard Australian consumers from the risks associated with unlicensed and unregulated gambling platforms. “Website blocking is one of a range of enforcement options we use to crack down on illegal online gambling,” stated an ACMA spokesperson. Since initiating its first blocking request in November 2019, ACMA has successfully blocked a total of 995 illegal gambling and affiliate websites.

The crackdown on illegal offshore gambling operators has resulted in over 220 such services withdrawing from the Australian market since ACMA began enforcing stricter rules in 2017, according to the body’s press release. This regulatory stance aligns with the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA), which prohibits the provision of certain gambling services to Australian customers via the internet unless licensed. Licensed services encompass online wagering, sports betting, and lotteries.

Research from Responsible Wagering Australia, utilizing data from H2 Gambling Capital, underscores the scale of the illegal offshore gambling market in Australia, estimated to be worth over AU$1 billion ($667.6 million), constituting about 15% of the total gambling market. The report forecasts potential revenue losses, with racing and sports bodies possibly forfeiting AU$1.6 billion ($1 billion) in product fees and AU$1.3 billion ($868.1 million) in taxes from 2022 to 2027 due to illegal offshore gambling.

Consumer warnings:

ACMA emphasizes the risks associated with using illegal gambling services, cautioning Australians about potential financial losses. “Australians who use illegal gambling services risk losing their money,” warned ACMA, urging consumers to consult its register to verify the licensing status of wagering services operating in the country. This caution comes amidst concerns over the proliferation of online gambling in Australia, with a substantial portion occurring on unlicensed offshore platforms.

“Illegal offshore gambling operators pose a significant risk to Australian consumers,” emphasized the ACMA spokesperson, as Asia Gaming Brief reports. By blocking unauthorized sites and enforcing stringent measures against unlicensed activities, ACMA aims to establish a safer and more regulated online gambling environment in Australia.

In conclusion, ACMA’s proactive stance against illegal online gambling reflects ongoing efforts to uphold regulatory standards and protect Australian consumers. As the landscape evolves, ACMA continues to employ various enforcement strategies to mitigate the risks associated with unlicensed gambling operations, ensuring a more secure digital gambling experience for Australians.