ACMA blocks six more sites in 2023

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is back in 2023, having issued its latest blocking order that targets several websites and domains which, the regulator argues, have been breaching the country’s Interactive Gambling Act 2001.

ACMA published the blocking order on its official website and included the names of the six entities to have been suspended. As such, Pokie Surf, 24 Casino, Stellar Spins, Rock n Reels, Boomerang Casino, and Olympia Casino have all been blocked.

This has been achieved through a special request placed with the country’s Internet Service Providers (ISPs) which enforced a block against the domains. Domain block is sometimes criticized as not the best way to handle such matters, as it could impact other sites caught in the crossfire, but is generally a strong way to send a message.

In the case of ACMA, the regulator has been sending the same message loud and clear since November 2019 when the watchdog began blocking illegal gambling websites through the country’s ISPs. While the measure was downplayed at first, the regulator’s consistency in identifying and blocking suppliers, affiliates, and actual operators has been unfaltering.

So far, 686 illegal gambling and affiliate websites have been blocked. The regulator also reports that more than 190 illegal services have left the market voluntarily, agreeing to stop servicing or targeting Australian audiences.

ACMA has repeatedly cautioned consumers to also be vigilant about such services. The regulator has reminded players that online gambling on casinos is not legal in Australia and that even websites that may look legitimate are not unless they are featured in the official register.

ACMA similarly expects consumers to flag properties that may be inappropriately targeting the local market in Australia. The watchdog similarly cautions that people who share their personal and financial information with illegal gambling websites run multiple risks, including identity theft and loss of assets.

ACMA has similarly been taking action against gambling advertisements and other illegal gambling websites that target the country’s consumers and put them at risk.

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