ACMA requests additional ISP blocks on illegal offshore gambling sites

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has taken further action in its ongoing efforts to combat illegal offshore gambling.

ACMA vs illegal offshore gambling

Following investigations that revealed 12 services operating in violation of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001, the ACMA has requested Australian internet service providers (ISPs) to block these websites.

The newly blocked sites include Tsars, Zen Casino, Zen Betting, Cleopatra Casino, Goodman Casino, Zoome Casino, Yabby Casino, Neon54, Rabona, 5Gringos, AlfCasino, and 1RED.

These measures are part of a comprehensive enforcement strategy aimed at protecting Australians from illegal online gambling activities. Currently, a total of 785 illegal gambling and affiliate websites are blocked in Australia, with the ACMA making its first blocking request back in November 2019.

Positive results

The ACMA’s efforts to enforce illegal offshore gambling regulations have yielded positive results, as over 200 illegal services have voluntarily withdrawn from the Australian market since 2017. Website blocking is just one of the measures employed to safeguard consumers and prevent them from engaging with unlicensed operators.

It is crucial for Australian consumers to be aware that even if a gambling service appears legitimate, it is unlikely to provide essential customer protections. Utilizing illegal gambling platforms puts individuals at risk of losing their money without any recourse. To verify if a wagering service is licensed to operate in Australia, individuals can consult the ACMA’s register.