The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has identified four operators, namely Ladbrokes, Bet365, Neds, and Sportsbet, for violating interactive gambling regulations by using “Fast/Quick codes” to facilitate in-play sports betting.
According to the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 in Australia, in-play betting on sports events is generally prohibited, except for specific circumstances, such as bets placed over the phone, where the bettor must make a genuine phone call to place the wager.
To engage in in-play betting, players were required to obtain a Fast/Quick code from the operator’s website or app.
This code contained information about the event, bet selection, and bet type for the in-play bet. The player would then provide this code when making the phone call to confirm the bet.
However, ACMA discovered that Ladbrokes, Bet365, Neds, and Sportsbet did not adhere to this process.
Instead, these operators allowed their in-play betting services to generate individual codes for each in-play bet made through their websites or apps, at least for the first customer.
ACMA determined that the betting information within these codes was transmitted through the website or app, rather than over the phone as required by the betting exception, thus constituting a breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
Subsequently, ACMA reported that the four operators have taken corrective actions to ensure compliance with betting regulations.
They have modified their systems so that codes are generated before events begin, with generic codes that apply to all customers.
Consequently, ACMA has decided not to pursue further enforcement action against these operators.
ACMA emphasized its commitment to investigating violations of online gambling rules and warned that those who break these rules may face criminal charges and civil penalties, including those who assist others in violating these regulations.
In addition to addressing these operators, ACMA also issued blocking orders against 11 illegal gambling websites that were in violation of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
These websites included Greenspin, Slotman, Jeetcity, Betibet, Candyland Casino, Thunderpick, Golden Lion, Digits 7, Sector 777, New Vegas, and PayID Pokies.
Since November 2019, ACMA has successfully blocked access to 893 illegal gambling and affiliate websites, with 220 illegal services ceasing operations in Australia since the enforcement of new offshore gambling rules in 2017.