ACMA Blocks Five More Offshore Gambling Websites, Cracks Down on Violations
Date: 2023-09-20 Author: Dima Zakharov Categories: EVENTS
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is on a mission to protect Australian gamblers from illegal offshore gambling websites. In its most recent move, ACMA has identified and taken action against five rogue websites: Viperspin, Just Casino, Betandplay, Play Fina, and Comic Play Casino. These websites have been operating in violation of Australia's Interactive Gambling Act 2001, and ACMA is determined to put an end to their unlawful activities.
The Interactive Gambling Act 2001 plays a pivotal role in Australia's online gambling regulations. It is designed to ensure that only licensed operators can offer gambling services within the country, safeguarding Australian consumers. Moreover, the Act prohibits unlicensed overseas providers from targeting Australian players and redirects them to safer alternatives.
ACMA's efforts have been relentless, and since the enforcement of stricter regulations, 215 illegal gambling services have already ceased operations in Australia. With the recent addition of these five websites to the block list, the total number of prohibited gambling and affiliate websites in Australia now stands at 835. In 2023, ACMA has significantly increased the frequency of its bans, consistently adding new names to the list of prohibited websites.
ACMA's role in enforcing Australia's gambling regulations, particularly online, cannot be overstated. The authority initiates investigations into offshore operators operating illegally within the country. Upon confirming their breach of local laws, ACMA takes legal action, including requesting internet service providers (ISPs) to block access to these rogue websites.
While website blocking is considered an extreme measure, it is reserved for illegal operators. ACMA is equally vigilant in overseeing the regulated market and imposes milder penalties for various offenses, such as licensing violations, advertising breaches, or the offering of prohibited services. The authority treats all operators impartially and does not shy away from pursuing even high-profile companies.
Despite ACMA's relentless efforts, offshore operators continue to pose challenges to the Australian market. Recently, ACMA sought assistance from the government of Curaçao, as Curaçao-based online gambling companies persist in targeting Australian gamblers. These operators show no willingness to exit the local market and continually seek ways to evade restrictions, underscoring the need for international cooperation.
ACMA's proactive approach to identifying and banning illegal operators underscores its commitment to protecting Australian consumers. However, legislative constraints regarding offshore enforcement limit ACMA's actions, allowing them to impose local bans through ISPs while the rogue companies continue their activities unchecked. Nevertheless, ACMA's ongoing efforts are instrumental in shaping Australia's gambling landscape.
The Interactive Gambling Act 2001 plays a pivotal role in Australia's online gambling regulations. It is designed to ensure that only licensed operators can offer gambling services within the country, safeguarding Australian consumers. Moreover, the Act prohibits unlicensed overseas providers from targeting Australian players and redirects them to safer alternatives.
ACMA's efforts have been relentless, and since the enforcement of stricter regulations, 215 illegal gambling services have already ceased operations in Australia. With the recent addition of these five websites to the block list, the total number of prohibited gambling and affiliate websites in Australia now stands at 835. In 2023, ACMA has significantly increased the frequency of its bans, consistently adding new names to the list of prohibited websites.
ACMA's role in enforcing Australia's gambling regulations, particularly online, cannot be overstated. The authority initiates investigations into offshore operators operating illegally within the country. Upon confirming their breach of local laws, ACMA takes legal action, including requesting internet service providers (ISPs) to block access to these rogue websites.
While website blocking is considered an extreme measure, it is reserved for illegal operators. ACMA is equally vigilant in overseeing the regulated market and imposes milder penalties for various offenses, such as licensing violations, advertising breaches, or the offering of prohibited services. The authority treats all operators impartially and does not shy away from pursuing even high-profile companies.
Despite ACMA's relentless efforts, offshore operators continue to pose challenges to the Australian market. Recently, ACMA sought assistance from the government of Curaçao, as Curaçao-based online gambling companies persist in targeting Australian gamblers. These operators show no willingness to exit the local market and continually seek ways to evade restrictions, underscoring the need for international cooperation.
ACMA's proactive approach to identifying and banning illegal operators underscores its commitment to protecting Australian consumers. However, legislative constraints regarding offshore enforcement limit ACMA's actions, allowing them to impose local bans through ISPs while the rogue companies continue their activities unchecked. Nevertheless, ACMA's ongoing efforts are instrumental in shaping Australia's gambling landscape.
