The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has recently raised concerns about several online gambling operators, including Greenspin, Slotman, Jeetcity, Betibet, Candyland Casino, Thunderpick, Golden Lion, Digits 7, Sector 777, New Vegas, and PayID Pokies.
ACMA has asserted that each of these websites is in violation of the Interactive Gambling Act of 2001.
In response to these breaches, ACMA has taken action by requesting Australian internet service providers (ISPs) to block access to these identified gambling sites.
The authority has the power to make such requests when operators are found to be offering prohibited interactive gambling services to Australian customers or operating without a valid license.
Since ACMA initiated its first blocking request back in November 2019, a total of 893 illegal gambling and affiliate websites have been successfully blocked, and 220 illegal services have voluntarily exited the Australian market as a result of ACMA’s enforcement efforts, which began in 2017.
ACMA has emphasized that website blocking is just one tool in its arsenal to protect Australians from illegal online gambling activities.
They also remind consumers that even if a service appears legitimate, it is unlikely to provide essential customer protections.
Therefore, Australians who engage with illegal gambling services run the risk of losing their money.
These 11 newly flagged websites now join a growing list of brands that have faced blocking orders in Australia.
In October, ACMA issued similar orders against Wild Blaster and BetUS, concluding that they were conducting illegal gambling operations within the country.
In addition to the actions taken by ACMA, the Australian Senate has approved a ban on the use of credit cards for online gambling.
The ban, which had already been passed by the House of Representatives, was given the green light by the Senate, paving the way for it to become law.
This legislation effectively prohibits the use of credit cards for gambling, extending the existing ban on such transactions at land-based venues.
However, the implementation of the ban will not occur immediately.
The government has announced a six-month transition period to allow operators, payment providers, and consumers to adjust to the new regulations.
This transition period will commence once the bill receives royal assent.