ACMA blocks additional illegal sites in Australia

ACMA is calling for internet service providers (ISPs) to block Richard Casino and Wanted Win. Both websites have been operating in breach of the Australia Interactive Gambling Act 2001, according to ACMA.

Online operators must hold the relevant licence to run gambling in Australia. They must also only offer services approved by national law.

Over 1,000 websites blocked since 2019

Website blocking is among various enforcement options to protect Australians against illegal gambling services. ACMA can take such action if an operator offers prohibited services such as online casinos and in-play internet sports betting.

Operators can also be blocked for offering gambling without a licence, and for publishing adverts for unlicensed activity in the country.

Since ACMA made its first blocking request in November 2019, some 1,011 illegal gambling and affiliate websites have been blocked. Over 220 illegal services have also pulled from the Australia market since the ACMA began enforcing illegal offshore gambling rules.

“ACMA is reminding consumers that even if a service looks legitimate, its unlikely to have important consumer protections,” the authority said. “This means our laws can’t help if something goes wrong, like if the service provider withholds winnings.”

ACMA consistent with blocking approach in Australia

Last month, A Big Candy, Jackpoty and John Vegas Casino were also flagged for breaching rules on online gambling. They were subsequently blocked by ISPs at the request of ACMA.

In May, a group of eight websites was also blocked. Jogi Casino, Dundee Slots, Lucky Hunter, Lucky Wins, Lukki Casino, Spin Fever, Clubhouse Casino and Winport Casino are all now inaccessible in Australia.

March saw another eight websites blocked including Lucky7even, 50 Crowns, Rockwin, Bitdreams, Mr Pacho, Casino Infinity, Zota Bet and Spicyjackpots. In February, ACMA also singled out 12 other websites.

Online keno and offshore lotteries face crackdown 

The latest blocking orders come as the Australian government launches a review into online keno and offshore lotteries. This, it says, is in an effort to minimise online gambling harms.

The review is aimed at helping the government better understand the impact of keno and foreign matched lotteries on the community. It may also potentially ban each product.

Keno remains popular in pubs and clubs but increasingly moving online. Meanwhile, foreign matched – or offshore – lotteries allow consumers to enter lottery draws conducted abroad.

Another variant on the traditional lottery model, where customers bet on the results of the draws, was previously banned in 2019.