In a bold move to crack down on illegal offshore gambling activities, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has recently announced its decision to block more illegal offshore gambling websites.
The decision comes as part of a broader effort by the ACMA to protect Australian consumers from the harmful effects of online gambling, particularly from operators who are not licensed to offer their services in the country.
According to the regulator, a total of 18 illegal offshore gambling websites have been targeted in this latest crackdown. These websites were found to be operating in violation of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001, which prohibits the provision of online gambling services to Australian residents without a valid license.
The ACMA’s actions have been welcomed by the industry, with many stakeholders expressing their support for the crackdown on illegal operators. Tony Mohr, executive director of the Alliance for Gambling Reform, praised the regulator for taking a tough stance on offshore gambling websites that are targeting Australian consumers.
“It’s great to see the ACMA cracking down on illegal offshore gambling websites. These operators are not only breaking the law, but they’re also putting Australian consumers at risk of harm. We need to do everything we can to protect vulnerable gamblers from these operators,” Mohr said.
The ACMA’s efforts to block illegal gambling websites have been effective in the past, with over 340 websites blocked since the regulator was given the power to do so in November 2019. The regulator has also issued several infringement notices to operators who were found to be in violation of the law.
In addition to blocking illegal offshore gambling websites, the ACMA is also working with other regulatory bodies to combat illegal gambling activities in Australia. The regulator has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) to share information and cooperate on enforcement efforts.
The ACMA’s crackdown on illegal offshore gambling websites is part of a broader effort by the Australian government to protect consumers from the harms of online gambling. The government has recently introduced a number of measures to tighten regulations on the industry, including restrictions on advertising and a national self-exclusion register for online gamblers.
Overall, the ACMA’s latest action to block more illegal offshore gambling websites is a positive step towards ensuring the safety and wellbeing of Australian consumers. By working together with other regulatory bodies and industry stakeholders, the regulator is sending a strong message to illegal operators that their activities will not be tolerated in Australia.