ACMA orders blocking of Wild Blaster and BetUS
Wild Blaster and BetUS are both deemed to have been operating in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. ACMA does not state a specific breach but says the sites were operating illegally.
As such, ACMA has requested that Australian ISPs block access to the two websites.
ACMA can take this action if an operator offers prohibited interactive gambling services to customers in Australia. Bocking orders can also be made for sites that run online gambling without a valid Australian licence.
In addition, ACMA is permitted to take action if a website publishes adverts for prohibited gambling services or unlicensed gambling.
Since ACMA made its first blocking request in November 2019, some 863 illegal gambling and affiliate sites have been blocked. A further 218 illegal services have also exited Australia since ACMA began enforcing new illegal offshore gambling rules in 2017.
“Australians who use illegal gambling services are not protected by Australian laws,” ACMA said. “This means our laws can’t help if something goes wrong, like if the service provider withholds winnings.”
Persistent approach by ACMA
The blocking of Wild Blaster and BetUS follow similar orders issued against a host of other websites.
Earlier this month, Best Bookies’ Price ceased offering a betting odds comparison service after being issued a formal warning by ACMA. Best Bookies’ comparison service was deemed to have breached national gambling laws.
Last month, ACMA made blocking requests against five further websites. Viperspin, Just Casino, Betandplay, Play Fina and Comic Play Casino were all found to be operating illegally in the country.
As such, ACMA asked Australian internet service providers to block access to each of the sites.