After checking on quite a few complaints, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has addressed the country’s Internet Service Providers (ISPs), urging them to suspend access to more offshore gambling platforms that operate illegally in Australia.
The gambling website brands that are required to be blocked by local ISPs are Koala Royal, Juicy Stakes, Grand Rush, National Casino and Jackpot Jill.
The communications, media and advertising regulator has made the move to blocking the aforementioned gambling platforms after receiving numerous complaints about the services. The investigations found the offshore gambling platforms to be operating in violation of Australia’s Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
At the beginning of August, the ACMA revealed that it had taken its efforts to deal with online gambling operators that offer their services illegally in the country a step further, as it blocked access to affiliate platforms promoting various online casino services. As revealed by the regulatory body at the time, suspending such websites has been one of its most important goals, as these platforms are offering direct links to illegal gambling content and services.
Currently, more extensive information regarding online gambling in Australia could be found on the official website of the Australian Communications and Media Authority. Users can also find a register of licensed online gambling services to check whether the gambling platform they want to register with is legal or not. ACMA also provides information on how players could protect themselves from illegal gambling companies and offers them the chance to report an illegal gambling platform.
So Far 295 Illegal Online Gambling Websites Blocked under ACMA’s Request
The Australian Communications and Media Authority is using website blocking as one of the main enforcement options available to protect local players from the possible negative consequences of illegal gambling over the Internet. Access to a total of 295 illegal online gambling platforms has been suspended since the regulatory body made its first blocking request to local ISPs in November 2019.
Website blocking has been considered a valuable opportunity for the authority to inform the wider public about the dangers of illegal gambling services, because special messages pop up whenever Australian customers try to access a blocked online gambling site that has been illegally offering its services in the country.
Furthermore, the media, communications and advertising watchdog is reminding people that even if a certain service looks legitimate, it could still be lacking some important policies and procedures aimed at protecting consumers from possible gambling-related harm. This could help the regulatory body protect Australian people from losing money on unauthorised gambling platforms.
As previously reported by Casino Guardian, more than 140 illegal gambling services have ceased operation in the Australian gambling market and have pulled out their operations of the country since the ACMA commenced the enforcement of its new rules and policies regarding unlawful foreign gambling in 2017.
- Author
Daniel Williams
