The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has taken further steps to combat illegal offshore gambling by blocking access to two more websites operating in breach of the country’s Interactive Gambling Act.
The two websites, Asia Gaming Brief and M88, were found to be targeting Australian consumers without the necessary licensing and regulation required under Australian law. The ACMA identified that both websites were offering a range of online gambling services, including casino games and sports betting, to Australian players.
The ACMA noted that the blocking of these websites is part of a broader effort to protect Australian consumers from the risks associated with illegal offshore gambling, including fraud, money laundering, and problem gambling.
Chair of the ACMA, Nerida O’Loughlin, emphasized the importance of enforcing Australia’s gambling laws to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens. “Blocking access to illegal offshore gambling websites is a key component of our efforts to combat illegal online gambling in Australia. These websites are not regulated or licensed in Australia, meaning that consumers are not afforded the same levels of protection as they would be if they were gambling with a licensed service provider,” she said.
The blocking of Asia Gaming Brief and M88 follows a series of similar actions taken by the ACMA in recent months, including the blocking of over 150 illegal offshore gambling websites since the introduction of new legislation in 2017.
Under the Interactive Gambling Act, it is illegal for offshore gambling operators to offer services to Australian residents without a valid license. The ACMA has the authority to take enforcement action against these operators, including issuing formal warnings, seeking injunctions, and requesting Internet service providers to block access to their websites.
The ACMA encourages Australian consumers to only gamble with licensed and regulated operators in order to ensure a safe and secure gambling experience. The ACMA website offers a list of licensed gambling operators in Australia, as well as information on how to identify illegal offshore gambling websites.
The blocking of Asia Gaming Brief and M88 is a significant step in the ACMA’s ongoing efforts to combat illegal offshore gambling and protect Australian consumers from the risks associated with unregulated online gambling. The ACMA will continue to monitor and enforce compliance with Australia’s gambling laws in order to safeguard the integrity of the country’s gambling industry and protect the interests of its citizens.
