ACMA goes after Casino Bello in Australia

The Australians Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has issued a new restriction order against a Curacao-based iGaming operator and brand, Casino Bello.

This is one of the smaller enforcement actions undertaken by the regulator, which has suspended access to Casino Bello under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.

Casino Bello becomes the latest offshore casino to be ousted in Australia

The watchdog alleges that Casino Bello has been offering online casino products to Australian customers. Online casinos are blocked from accessing Australia, and only land-based operations are allowed.

Casino Bello becomes the latest brand in a sweeping enforcement move that has already seen more than 1033websites blocked from the country. Those include operators, affiliates, and at least one supplier since ACMA started applying pressure on the offshore market in November 2019.

The regulator has reminded in its most recent statement that 220 operators and affiliates left out of their own free will in 2017, but not until after ACMA said it would raise an issue with their overseas licensing authorities.

ACMA has attempted a similar approach to Curacao, the licensing authority behind most of the 1033 websites listed in its blacklist.

Curacao is currently undergoing a sweeping regulatory overhaul that would require operators to comply with international laws that may include withdrawing from the Australian market altogether.

ACMA has been keeping busy, too. At the end of August, the watchdog took action against four other websites that were found in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.

ACMA goes after operating companies’ entire portfolio of websites

Casino Bello is owned by Hollycorn N.V., a well-established operator, which runs multiple casino websites.

The company, though, is facing more pressure in Australia where it is not explicitly operating, but still has its websites in reach of ordinary players, ACMA argues. Earlier this year, Hollycorn N.V.-owned websites, John Vegas and A Big Candy, were also blocked by the watchdog.

"Website blocking is one of a range of enforcement options to protect Australians against illegal online gambling," ACMA said, urging the public to be equally mindful of the fact that online casinos are not regulated in the country, and any such projects are most likely unlawful.

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