The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has released the results of a crackdown on illegal gambling sites during the FIFA Women’s World Cup, with a total of 58 websites found to be in breach of Australian law.
The ACMA launched the crackdown in conjunction with international gambling regulators and law enforcement agencies to combat the rise of illegal betting activity during major sporting events. The FIFA Women’s World Cup, which took place in France from June to July, was a major target for illegal gambling operators looking to exploit the popularity of the tournament.
According to the ACMA, the 58 websites found to be in breach of Australian law were offering betting services to Australian customers without the proper licensing and regulation required by law. These sites were found to be operating without the necessary safeguards in place to protect consumers, such as age verification and problem gambling support services.
The ACMA has issued formal warnings to the operators of these sites, ordering them to cease their illegal activities or face further legal action. The authority has also worked with international counterparts to block access to these sites in Australia, preventing Australian consumers from accessing their services.
In a statement, ACMA chair Nerida O’Loughlin emphasized the importance of protecting Australian consumers from the harms of illegal gambling. “Illegal gambling websites pose a serious risk to consumers, as they do not have to adhere to the same standards of player protection and responsible gambling as licensed operators,” O’Loughlin said.
The crackdown on illegal gambling sites during the FIFA Women’s World Cup is part of a larger effort by the ACMA to combat the rise of illegal online gambling in Australia. The authority has been working closely with the Australian government and law enforcement agencies to identify and shut down illegal operators, with a particular focus on major sporting events like the Women’s World Cup.
The results of the crackdown are a clear signal to illegal gambling operators that they will not be tolerated in Australia. The ACMA will continue to monitor and investigate illegal gambling activity, with the goal of protecting Australian consumers and upholding the integrity of the country’s regulated gambling industry.
As the FIFA Women’s World Cup comes to a close, the ACMA’s efforts to combat illegal gambling have been a significant success. Australian consumers can rest assured that they can enjoy the excitement of major sporting events without falling victim to the dangers of illegal gambling.
