Australia: ACMA requests internet providers block 9 more illegal offshore gambling websites

The Australian Communications and Media Authority announced Thursday it has requested that Australian internet service providers block 9 illegal offshore gambling websites operating in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.

This time, the involved sites are Winning Days, 21Bit Casino, Oshi Casino, Lucky Elf Casino, NeoSpin, Lets Lucky, Boho Casino, Ripper Casino, and BC.Game. After an investigation, ACMA concluded these services were operating against regulations in place in the country.

Website blocking is one of a range of enforcement options to protect Australians against illegal online gambling, says the watchdog. Since the ACMA made its first blocking request in November 2019, 642 illegal gambling and affiliate websites have been blocked. Over 180 illegal services have also pulled out of the Australian market since the ACMA started enforcing new illegal offshore gambling rules in 2017.

We have requested that Australian ISPs block more illegal offshore gambling websites, following ACMA investigations. You can view the full list of blocked sites at https://t.co/a9Ne1pkYJY pic.twitter.com/KcIAoWKJAx

— ACMA (@acmadotgov) November 24, 2022

"The ACMA is reminding consumers that even if a service looks legitimate, its unlikely to have important customer protections. This means Australians who use illegal gambling services risk losing their money. You can check if a wagering service is licensed to operate in Australia on our register," a statement reads. 

Back in September, the Authority targeted 15 sites and requested they be blocked. The list included Spin Oasis, Fab Spins, RB Carnival, The GoGo Room, Velvet Spin, Zenith Slots, Slots of Wins, Latinbet24, Hell Spin, Sky Crown, Blue Leo, Wolf Winner, Bizzo Casino, Wabo88 and Ozbet88.