ACMA issues blocking orders against 11 illegal websites in Australia
ACMA flagged Greenspin, Slotman, Jeetcity, Betibet, Candyland Casino, Thunderpick, Golden Lion, Digits 7, Sector 777, New Vegas and PayID Pokies. It said each website was in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
In response, ACMA requested Australian internet service providers (ISPs) block access to all the named sites.
ACMA can make such requests if an operator offers prohibited interactive gambling services to customers in Australia. Blocking orders can also be made for sites running online gambling without a licence.
Since ACMA made its first request in November 2019, some 893 illegal gambling and affiliate websites have been blocked. In addition, 220 illegal services have exited Australia since the authority began enforcing new illegal offshore gambling rules in 2017.
“Website blocking is one of a range of enforcement options to protect Australians against illegal online gambling,” ACMA said.
“ACMA is reminding consumers that even if a service looks legitimate, it’s unlikely to have important customer protections. This means Australians who use illegal gambling services risk losing their money.”
The 11 sites join the long list of brands facing blocking orders in Australia. In October, ACMA also issued orders against Wild Blaster and BetUS, ruling they were offering gambling in the country illegally.
Australia approves gambling credit card ban
In other news, the Australia senate has approved a ban on credit cards for online gambling. The news broke last week with a near-blanket ban set to come into effect within six months.
Australia’s house of representatives passed the bill last month, allowing it to progress to the senate. The senate last week also approved the legislation, clearing the way for it to pass into law.
Australia already bans gambling with credit cards at land-based venues. This means the bill effectively places a blanket ban on all forms of credit card gambling across Australia.
The ban will not come into effect immediately. The government previously said it would run a six-month transition period to allow operators, payment providers and consumers to move in line with the new rules. This period will begin once the bill receives royal assent