The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has announced that it will continue its efforts to block access to offshore gambling websites that are targeting Australian customers without the necessary licenses.
According to ACMA, these websites are operating illegally in Australia and are not subject to the same consumer protections and harm minimization measures as licensed Australian operators. ACMA’s ongoing efforts to block these websites are part of a broader strategy to combat illegal online gambling and protect Australian consumers.
In a recent statement, ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin emphasized the importance of blocking access to illegal gambling websites, stating that “ACMA is committed to using a range of enforcement tools to combat illegal offshore gambling, including website blocking, to protect Australians from illegal online gambling services.”
ACMA’s website blocking efforts are based on the Interactive Gambling Act 2001, which gives the agency the power to request that Internet service providers block access to offshore gambling websites that are targeting Australian customers. ACMA has been successful in blocking access to hundreds of illegal gambling websites over the past few years, and will continue to do so in order to protect Australian consumers.
ACMA’s enforcement actions have been supported by the Australian government, which has made it clear that illegal offshore gambling operators will not be tolerated in the country. The government has also introduced legislation to strengthen ACMA’s enforcement powers and combat illegal online gambling.
In addition to website blocking, ACMA is also working with other government agencies and industry stakeholders to educate Australians about the risks of illegal online gambling and promote responsible gambling practices. ACMA’s efforts are part of a broader strategy to create a safe and regulated online gambling environment in Australia.
The ongoing website blocking efforts by ACMA send a strong message to illegal offshore gambling operators that they will not be able to target Australian customers with impunity. By working closely with Internet service providers and other stakeholders, ACMA is making it increasingly difficult for illegal gambling websites to operate in Australia.
As the fight against illegal gambling continues, ACMA will continue to use all available enforcement tools to protect Australian consumers and ensure that online gambling in the country is conducted in a safe and responsible manner. With the support of the government and industry stakeholders, ACMA is confident that it will be able to effectively combat illegal online gambling and create a more secure online gambling environment for Australians.
