The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has issued blocking orders for a further eight websites after ruling they breached gambling laws in the country.
ACMA named Lucky7even, 50 Crowns, Rockwin, Bitdreams, Mr Pacho, Casino Infinity, Zota Bet and Spicyjackpots as sites to be blocked. It said each site was operating in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
The organisation did not go into detail about specific breaches of the Act. However, it did set out how it can take action if a website has committed a certain offence.
These actions include providing banned interactive gambling services to Australian players, such as online casinos, slots and in-play sports betting. ACMA may also request blocking if a website offers gambling without a licence, or publishes adverts for other unlicenced services.
While ACMA cannot actually block sites, it can request Australian internet service providers (ISPs) to do so.
Since ACMA made its first request in November 2019, some 945 illegal gambling and affiliate websites have been blocked. In addition, 221 illegal services have pulled out of Australia since 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,” ACMA said. “This means our laws can’t help if something goes wrong, like if the service provider withholds winnings.
“Australians can check if a wagering service is licensed to operate in Australia on the ACMA register.”
ACMA blocking orders mount up
The latest round of requests comes after ACMA last month singled out 12 other websites for blocking.
Playzilla, Wazamba, Zet Casino and Slots Palace were among those identified by ACMA. The other sites were are Nomini, Casinia, SG Casino, Fez Bet, Buran Casino, Spin Better, Golden Bet and Clash.gg.
Other recent blocking orders covered Greenspin, Slotman, Jeetcity, Betibet, Candyland Casino, Thunderpick, Golden Lion, Digits 7, Sector 777, New Vegas and PayID Pokies.
Meanwhile, towards the end of 2023, ACMA took aim at four leading online gambling brands for breaching in-play betting rules. However, ACMA later conceded the brands eventually complied with rules and would not take further action.
Initially, ACMA said the operators breached interactive gambling rules by using ‘Fast/Quick codes’ to facilitate in-play betting on sports. Entain-owned Ladbrokes and Neds, as well as Hillside’s Bet365 and Sportsbet, were the four guilty parties named by ACMA.
The Interactive Gambling Act 2001 prohibits in-play betting on sports matches, with only limited exceptions.
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