Today, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) announced that it has taken another step in its efforts to deal with illegal online gambling operations by blocking platforms that promote and drive traffic toward some online casino services that cannot be offered in the country.
As revealed by the ACMA, the regulatory body has asked local Internet service providers (ISPs) to block the aforementioned affiliate websites that usually present themselves as media hubs that provide independent reviews of gambling services but actually promote some gambling operators’ services. The communications and media watchdog has shared that blocking such websites is one of its paramount objectives, as they offer their customers direct links to unlawful gambling services usually in return for a commission for the web traffic they make for gambling operators.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority revealed that it asked the local Internet service providers to ban seven platforms, including Aussie Online Pokies, Aussie Casino Hex, Australian Gambling, Australian Casino Club, Australia OK Casinos, True Blue Casinos and Pokies.
Fiona Cameron, a member of the ACMA shared that the ban on such affiliate gambling sites comes as the next step in preventing the major illegal gambling companies from reaching local customers as part of the Authority’s efforts to minimise the possible negative impact of gambling. Ms Cameron also explained that illegal gambling platforms usually do not have the required protections that normally go with services that are licensed and regulated.
So Far 297 Illegal Gambling Platforms Blocked upon ACMA’s Request in Australia
Ms Cameron noted that the ACMA often got complaints from customers claiming their winnings were not honoured. They also said people experiencing some problems controlling their gambling behaviour were often targeted by such platforms.
Online gambling services that operate illegally on the territory of the country include web-based casinos that offer their customers to play various casino games, such as roulette, slots and poker for real money. The latest actions of the regulatory body have come as part of its strategy that had been rolled out since the ACMA’s responsibilities got expanded under the provisions of the Interactive Gambling Act of 2001 four years ago.
As a result of the regulatory action taken by the Australian Communications and Media Authority, 279 unlawful gambling websites have been banned from operating on the territory of the country. Also, the strict action of the watchdog has made a total of 144 services make a decision to leave the country. According to figures provided by the ACMA, its stringent actions against illegal affiliate gambling websites resulted in a 95% reduction in the traffic to the top 10 gambling platforms that were suspended to June 2021.
The ACMA website provides access to the list of illegal gambling sites that have been suspended, with the watchdog keeping gambling affiliate platforms as one of its compliance priority targets for the 2021-2022 period. In the previous period (2020-2021) its focus was primarily on online casinos targeting local customers.
- Author
Daniel Williams
