Summary
- ACMA Targets Two Offshore Casino Websites
- The regulator's list now includes 1,178 entities.
- ACMA aims to work with international regulators to curb the industry's influence in the country.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has launched a new enforcement action aimed at the offshore gambling sector targeting Australian consumers. This move focuses on identifying and regulating offshore casino and sports betting sites that continue to serve Australian customers without the necessary licenses to offer games of chance.
ACMA goes after two more operators in the latest move
In the latest enforcement of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001, the regulator has targeted Crown Slots and Billy Billion, adding them to its list of blocked websites. This blocking is implemented with the assistance of internet service providers, earning the name ISP blocking. Currently, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) maintains an extensive list of such sites, with approximately 1,178 entities blocked since November 2019. This has been accomplished through a methodical case-by-case review, where the regulator examines individual websites and requests ISP blocking for those that violate local gambling laws. Despite criticism for its lengthiness and perceived inefficiency, this process has successfully blocked over 1,000 websites, including suppliers and affiliates. The ACMA's efforts have also led to the voluntary withdrawal of 220 major websites operating without a license, as they left the market to avoid potential action by international regulatory bodies.
Global collaboration needed to address offshore casino sector
ACMA has been actively collaborating with its counterparts in Curacao, particularly the gambling regulator, to push for tighter control of websites targeting Australians without the required licenses. Earlier this year, ACMA took similar action against eight websites. The number of blocked services has been steadily increasing, but international cooperation may be needed for these efforts to be truly effective. Meanwhile, offshore websites continue to adapt and market to Australian players.
