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

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

The latest sites blocked in the country include Viperspin, Just Casino, Betandplay, Play Fina, and Comic Play Casino. 

ACMA noted that since it first made its first blocking request, 835 illegal gambling and affiliate websites have been blocked. Additionally, 215 illegal services have pulled out of the Australian market since the ACMA started enforcing new illegal offshore gambling rules in 2017.

“Website blocking is one of a range of enforcement options to protect Australians against illegal online gambling,” the authority explains. Australians who use illegal gambling services are not protected by Australian laws, and the authority said that it cannot help Australians if something goes wrong using these sites, like if the service provider withholds winnings.

A blocking request can be made if a website is providing prohibited interactive gambling services to customers in Australia (such as online casinos, online slot machines, and services that allow in-play online sports betting), providing unlicensed regulated interactive gambling services to customers in the country, and publishing ads for prohibited interactive gambling services or unlicensed regulated interactive gambling services in Australia.

In August, ACMA urged Australian ISPs to block two websites found to be in violation of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. The ACMA's investigations revealed that these services, namely Crown Pokies, and Play AUD, were operating unlawfully.