ACMA blocks gambling sites promoting illegal online casinos

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has blocked websites that promote and drive traffic toward online casino type services, in pursuit to combat illegal online gambling.

The ACMA has asked Australian internet service providers to block these affiliate advertising websites, which typically present themselves as independent reviewers of gambling services. This was a priority for the organization, as these sites provide direct links to illegal gambling services, and receive a commission for the consequent web traffic. 

The promotional sites requested for blocking include Aussie Casino Hex, Australia OK Casinos, Aussie Online Pokies, Pokies, Australian Casino Club, Australian Gambling and True Blue Casinos, among others. 

Illegal online gambling services include online casinos with slots, roulette or poker games. 

ACMA Authority Member Fiona Cameron stated in an official press release that this is the next step in disrupting the major illegal operators and minimizing harm to Australian consumers. 

“These marketing sites can push you to illegal gambling services that do not have the protections that go with licensed and regulated services”, she explained. “We often get complaints from consumers that winnings are not honoured and that incentives and pressure tactics target problem gamblers”. 

ACMA’s actions and activity continue to expand under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 passed in 2017. Since then, 279 illegal gambling websites have been blocked with 144 services departing the country, plus a 95% reduction in traffic to the top ten gambling websites blocked to June 2021. 

“ACMA has information available to help you and is actively pursuing illegal gambling sites and their affiliates to get them out of Australia”, Cameron concluded. 

The ACMA is focusing on gambling affiliate sites as a 2021-22 compliance priority, after a focus in 2020-21 on online casinos targeting Australians.