The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has ordered internet service providers to block four more offshore websites offering unlicensed gambling services and products.
The websites in question, Bao Casino, Pokie Place, Reels of Joy and Ozwin Casino were the subject of an investigation by the ACMA after the authority received several complaints about the services and products available. The investigation concluded that all four sites were in clear breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
The move follows the requested blocking of 10 illegal gambling websites in March. This brings the total number of unlicensed gambling sites blocked by the ACMA since November 2019 to 263.
The latest blocks were announced on the ACMA website where the authority said:
“Site blocking provides a valuable opportunity to alert the public to illegal gambling services through the messages displayed when an attempt is made to access the site.
The ACMA reminds consumers that even if a service looks legitimate, it is unlikely to have important customer protections. This means Australians who use illegal gambling services are at risk of losing their money.”
Since 2017, the ACMA’s crackdown on unlicensed gaming operators has seen over 130 websites withdraw from the Australian market.
Some online gambling affiliates (digital marketers who make money by referring customers to gambling sites) have reacted to the news, calling it “censorship” – and an attempt to drive offshore gambling groups out of the Australian market.
