The watchdog in charge of communications and media in Australia asked internet service providers to block several offshore gambling websites. Upon investigating, the ACMA has found out that those websites have been operating illegally and in breach of the 2001 Interactive Gambling Act.
ACMA Urges ISPs to Blacklist Illegal Offshore Gambling Websites
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) asked internet service providers (ISPs) to block more illegal offshore gambling sites. The sites which the ACMA wants to be blocked are Bao Casino, Pokie Place, Reels of Joy, and Ozwin Casino.
According to the Authority, the requested ban comes following numerous complaints raised against the illegal operators. Consequently, the ACMA investigated and found that those websites have been operating in breach of the 2001 Interactive Gambling Act.
“Following numerous complaints about these services, the ACMA undertook investigations which found them to be operating in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.”
Australian Communications and Media Authority
One of the many ways which the Authority uses to fight against illegal offshore gambling websites is blocking. The first request which the ACMA made was back in November 2019, when it blocked 263 illegal gambling websites.
Before that, in 2017, once new rules against illegal gambling operators came into effect in Australia, more than 130 illegal services have been pulled out of the market. More recently, in February, the watchdog asked ISPs to block other 18 brands operating illegally in the country.
In a statement, the Authority reminded that blocking websites alerts the public of illegal gambling services. When an attempt is made to access the blocked website, an informative message appears instantly for the user. Besides operating against local regulations, illegal offshore operators are unlikely to have important consumer protections, added the Authority. Furthermore, the watchdog warned Australians who use such operators that they risk losing their money.