The Australian Communications and Marketing Agency (ACMA) has ramped up efforts against offshore iGaming operators without licenses. With this in mind, the gambling regulator has impelled Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to block more gambling sites. The latest additions to the growing list of banned remote gaming venues are Jackpoty, A Big Candy, and John Vegas Casino.
Following due investigations, the gambling watchdog found they had been operating in violation of the Interactive Gambling Act (IGA) 2001.
ACMA has been given authorization to block illicit gambling operators to protect the interests of Australian players and ensure a secure gaming environment. Since the agency started to enforce the new rules pertaining to unauthorized operators in 2017, a total of 220 companies have withdrawn from the Australian market.
In its latest press release, ACMA has reminded Australian players to check the legitimacy of gambling websites. They can verify an operator’s license on the agency’s register. Even if a service looks completely legitimate, it may lack important consumer protections, thus exposing players to a higher risk of losing their money. Once an illegal gambling website is blocked, they may find themselves unable to log in and access their accounts. The regulator also reminded that by using unlicensed gambling services, players remain unprotected by Australian laws.
ACMA Has Blocked Nearly 1,000 Unlicensed Gambling Websites Since 2019
The regulator initiated the practice to require ISPs to block illegal gambling content back in November 2019. Ever since the agency managed to block more than 995 illegal websites. From the start of 2024 to the present moment, ACMA has ordered the blocking of more than 30 gambling websites.
Last month, ACMA reported it had ordered ISPs to block access to eight more iGaming venues. Among those found in violation of the regulations were Jogi Casino, Dundee Slots, Lucky Hunter, Lucky Wins, and Spin Fever.
Website blocking is not restricted to operators without proper licenses to offer their services in Australia. The regulatory agency can require ISPs to block a website if it offers gambling products not permitted by Australian laws.
As per IGA, interactive gaming products such as online slot machines, pokies, and in-play online sports betting are prohibited by law.
It is not only small online casinos that are under the scrutiny of the regulator, though. Last year, the agency examined several large-scale sports betting companies over violations of the in-play betting rules. No further action on the side of the agency was needed, as the brands seemed to comply with the rules.
As reported by CasinoGuardian, the Australian Government has officially banned the use of credit cards and cryptocurrencies as a payment method to deposit funds to gambling websites. The new regulation came into force on 11 June, following a transition period of nearly six months.
- Author
Daniel Williams
