Best Bookies' Price Ceases Operations in Australia After ACMA Warning

Best Bookies, known for its betting odds comparison service, recently faced the regulatory wrath of ACMA in Australia. The authority ruled that the service provided by Best Bookies breached the national gambling laws, specifically the Interactive Gambling Act of 2001 (IGA). Best Bookies allowed users to compare odds from licensed operators and place bets with these operators on their behalf. ACMA contended that this operation met the definition of a "gambling service" under the IGA. While Best Bookies had certain authorizations from state-based regulators, it lacked the necessary wagering license to offer interactive gambling services under the IGA.

As a result, ACMA declared that Best Bookies was providing an unlicensed regulated interactive gambling service, which led to the issuance of a formal warning. ACMA encouraged individuals interested in online betting to use licensed wagering operators to ensure they benefit from the consumer protection measures. A list of licensed wagering operators is available for reference.

ACMA also called upon licensed wagering operators to carefully examine any arrangements they have with third-party service providers to guarantee that these services do not compromise their ability to meet legal obligations, including those outlined in the IGA. Following the warning from ACMA, Best Bookies decided to discontinue its services in Australia.