ACMA Orders Blockage of 12 Gambling Websites in Australia
Date: 2024-02-16 Author: Dima Zakharov Categories: EVENTS
ACMA, Interactive Gambling Act 2001: ACMA, the Australian Communications and Media Authority, has instructed internet service providers (ISPs) in Australia to block a further 12 gambling websites after discovering they were operating in violation of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
Identified Websites: Playzilla, Wazamba, Zet Casino, and Slots Palace are among the sites identified by ACMA as breaching regulations. The authority has the power to request website blocking if they are found to offer prohibited or unlicensed interactive gambling services to Australian customers.
List of Blocked Websites: In addition to the aforementioned sites, others to be blocked include Nomini, Casinia, SG Casino, Fez Bet, Buran Casino, Spin Better, Golden Bet, and Clash.gg.
Enforcement Actions: Since November 2019, ACMA has blocked a total of 926 illegal gambling and affiliate websites. Over 220 illegal services have withdrawn from the Australian market following enforcement of offshore gambling regulations.
Consumer Protection: ACMA warns consumers that even seemingly legitimate services may lack essential consumer protections. Without these protections, consumers have no legal recourse if issues arise, such as withheld winnings.
ACMA's Actions on In-Play Betting: In December, ACMA targeted four prominent online gambling brands for breaching in-play betting regulations. Although initially accused, Ladbrokes, Bet365, and others complied with rules, avoiding further enforcement action.
In-Play Betting Rules: Australia's Interactive Gambling Act 2001 strictly prohibits in-play betting on sports events, with few exceptions such as phone betting, which requires direct communication with the operator.
