The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has once again cracked down on illegal offshore gambling websites, blocking a total of 250 sites in the latest sweep. The move comes as part of ACMA’s ongoing efforts to protect Australian consumers from unlicensed and potentially harmful online gambling services.
The ACMA’s latest investigation targeted a wide range of offshore gambling operators, including online casinos, sports betting sites, and poker rooms. The blocked sites were found to be operating in violation of the Interactive Gambling Act of 2001, which prohibits the provision of online gambling services to Australian residents without a valid license.
According to ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin, the blocked sites posed a significant risk to Australian consumers. “These sites often operate without any regulatory oversight and can expose users to a range of risks, including fraud, identity theft, and problem gambling,” O’Loughlin said. “By blocking these sites, we are helping to protect Australian consumers and reduce the harm caused by illegal online gambling.”
The ACMA’s efforts to block illegal offshore gambling websites have been ongoing for several years, with hundreds of sites being added to the blacklist each year. In 2020 alone, the ACMA blocked a total of 1026 illegal gambling sites, a significant increase from the 349 sites blocked in 2019.
In addition to blocking websites, the ACMA has also taken enforcement action against operators found to be in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act. In the past year, the authority has issued a record number of formal warnings, infringement notices, and compliance actions to operators of illegal gambling sites.
The ACMA’s actions have been praised by responsible gambling advocates, who have long called for stronger regulation of the online gambling industry. Tim Costello, Chief Advocate for the Alliance for Gambling Reform, applauded the ACMA’s efforts to crack down on illegal gambling sites. “These sites prey on vulnerable consumers and can cause significant harm,” Costello said. “By blocking them, the ACMA is sending a strong message that illegal online gambling will not be tolerated in Australia.”
The ACMA’s latest block list will be distributed to internet service providers, who will be required to prevent access to the blocked sites within 30 days. Australian consumers are also encouraged to report any illegal gambling sites they encounter to the ACMA through the official complaints portal on their website.
As the ACMA continues to target illegal offshore gambling operators, Australian consumers can rest assured that steps are being taken to protect them from the risks associated with unlicensed online gambling. With hundreds of sites now blocked, the ACMA is sending a clear message that illegal online gambling will not be tolerated in Australia.