The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has announced that it has successfully blocked more illegal gambling websites in an ongoing effort to protect Australian consumers from harmful online gambling activities.
The ACMA has been working tirelessly to combat illegal gambling websites that target Australian players, as these sites often operate outside of the country’s regulatory framework and offer no protections for consumers. By blocking these websites, the ACMA is helping to safeguard Australians from potential harm, including gambling addiction, fraud, and money laundering.
The recent wave of website blocks follows a series of investigations by the ACMA, which found that the sites were operating in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. This legislation prohibits the provision of certain interactive gambling services to Australian customers, including online casino games and poker.
In a statement, ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin emphasized the importance of protecting vulnerable consumers from the dangers of illegal gambling websites.
“Online gambling is a significant public health issue in Australia, with an estimated $400 million lost annually to illegal offshore gambling websites,” said O’Loughlin. “By blocking access to these sites, we are not only protecting Australians from potential harm, but also sending a clear message to operators that they cannot flout our laws with impunity.”
The ACMA’s latest actions have been welcomed by Responsible Wagering Australia, an industry body that represents licensed online gambling operators in the country. In a statement, the organization applauded the ACMA’s efforts to crack down on illegal gambling websites and protect consumers from harm.
“Responsible Wagering Australia supports the ACMA’s efforts to block illegal gambling websites that target Australian players,” said Responsible Wagering Australia CEO Brent Jackson. “These websites operate outside of the regulatory framework and pose a serious risk to consumers. By taking action against them, the ACMA is helping to create a safer and more responsible gambling environment for Australians.”
The ACMA’s website blocking program has been highly effective in stemming the flow of illegal gambling websites into Australia. Since the program was launched in 2017, the ACMA has blocked over 250 illegal gambling websites, making it significantly harder for these operators to reach Australian consumers.
As illegal gambling websites continue to proliferate online, the ACMA remains committed to its mission of protecting Australians from harm. By blocking access to these sites and enforcing the laws that govern online gambling, the ACMA is working to create a safer and more responsible gambling environment for all Australians.
