Australia: ACMA requests internet providers block 8 more illegal offshore gambling websites

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) announced Wednesday it has requested that Australian internet service providers block more illegal offshore gambling websites after investigations found eight services to be operating in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.

The latest sites blocked include Casino Jax, Mirax Casino, Wild Fortune Casino, Kosmonaut Casino, Slotozen, Rolling Slots, N1 Bet Casino, and No Deposit Kings.

Website blocking is one of a range of enforcement options that the ACMA uses against illegal online gambling, explains the authority. Since the ACMA made its first blocking requests in November 2019, 709 illegal gambling and affiliate websites have been blocked. 

We have requested that Australian ISPs block more illegal offshore gambling and affiliate-marketing websites, following ACMA investigations.
You can view the full list of blocked sites at https://t.co/vmy9g1ICwB pic.twitter.com/u8hrIpDvGK

— ACMA (@acmadotgov) March 15, 2023

Additionally, over 180 illegal services have also pulled out of the Australian market since the ACMA started enforcing new illegal offshore gambling rules in 2017.

"The ACMA is reminding consumers that 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 authority said. "You can check if a wagering service is licensed to operate in Australia on our register."

Back in December, ACMA requested internet service providers to block two illegal sites: Pokizino and ABA Lucky 33. That same month, the authority cleared Sportsbet, the largest online sportsbook in Australia, of any wrongdoing after concerns were raised that the operator had breached the country’s ban on in-play betting.