Australia Expands ISP Blocks on Illegal Gambling Sites
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has ordered local internet providers to block access to four additional online gambling platforms that were found to be operating illegally under national legislation. The action is part of ongoing enforcement aimed at reducing harm from unauthorized gambling services.
New sites added to the national blocklist
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has instructed internet service providers to block access to the following websites: Megabet Prize, Mega Medusa, TF2Royal, and Casino Intense. These services were found to be in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001, which regulates the provision of online gambling in Australia.
The website blocking initiative is one of several tools used by ACMA to combat illegal gambling operations. Since the first blocking request in November 2019, a total of 1,210 illegal gambling and affiliate websites have been restricted. The regulatory body began enforcing new rules targeting unauthorized gambling services in 2017, and approximately 220 such services have since exited the Australian market.
Consumer protection concerns
ACMA continues to warn Australian consumers that illegal gambling platforms often lack basic customer protections. “Even if a service looks legitimate, it’s unlikely to have important customer protections. This means Australians who use illegal gambling services risk losing their money,” the regulator said. Users are encouraged to verify the licensing status of wagering providers through the official register.