Australian media regulator requests internet providers to block 5 offshore illegal gambling sites

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) announced on Wednesday that it requested internet service providers to block a further five offshore gambling  websites that have been operating in the country illegally, according to an official statement. 

The sites that have allegedly been operating in breach of Australia’s Interactive Gambling Act 2001 are Grand Rush, Jackpot Jill, Koala Royal, National Casino and Juicy Stakes.

ACMA investigated each of the sites after receiving a number of complaints. The regulating entity has been blocking requests since November 2019, after it was granted new enforcement powers. 

295 gambling sites were deemed to be operating illegally in Australia, and were subsequently blocked by ACMA. 

“The ACMA is reminding consumers that even if a service looks legitimate, it is unlikely to have important customer protections,” ACMA said. “This means Australians who use illegal gambling services risk losing their money”.

More than 140 unlicensed services have also pulled out of the Australian market since the ACMA started enforcing new illegal offshore gambling rules in 2017.

“Website blocking provides a valuable opportunity to alert the public to illegal gambling services through the messaging that appears when there is an attempt to access the site,” ACMA added.

Back in August, ACMA issued blocking orders against seven affiliate gambling sites that directed players to illegal offshore casinos. These advertising websites typically present themselves as independent reviewers of gambling services, and provide direct links to illegal sites for a commission. 

Among the blocked affiliate sites are Aussie Casino Hex, Australia OK Casinos, Aussie Online Pokies, Pokies, Australian Casino Club, Australian Gambling and True Blue Casinos, among others.