The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has requested that Australian internet service providers block more illegal offshore gambling and affiliate marketing websites. The targeted sites include Casino Moons, Winnerama, Extra Vegas, Win Paradise, LegitGamblingSites.com and Gamblers Lab. After an investigation, the watchdog determined that these services were operating in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
“Website blocking is one of a range of enforcement options to protect Australia against illegal online gambling,” the authority explains. Since ACMA made its first blocking request in November 2019, 568 illicit gambling and affiliate websites have been banned. Over 170 illegal services have also pulled out of the Australian market since the ACMA started enforcing new illegal offshore gambling rules in 2017.
“The ACMA is reminding consumers that even if a service looks legitimate, it is unlikely to have important customer protections,” the body stated in a press release. “This means Australians who use illegal gambling services risk losing their money.” Gamblers are encouraged to check if a wagering service is licensed to operate in Australia on the ACMA’s register.
We’ve requested that Australian internet service providers block more illegal offshore gambling and affiliate marketing websites, following an ACMA investigation.
View the full list of blocked sites at https://t.co/l6iV7LfHeb pic.twitter.com/TNKE9CdEiT— ACMA (@acmadotgov) August 17, 2022
This latest round of blocking requests comes after the ACMA issued a formal warning to a supplier earlier this month, as it found Proxous Advanced Solutions had breached laws by providing gaming software to 13 illegal online casinos.
During its investigation process, ACMA found that by sublicensing Realtime Gaming-branded software products used by casinos, Proxous was involved in the provision of prohibited interactive gambling services to Australians. It marked the first time the ACMA has taken action against a company for its involvement in an illegal gambling operation through supplying software.
The illegal services found using Proxous licensed software are Fair Go Casino, Two Up Casino, Free Spin, BoVegas, Uptown Pokies, Uptown Aces, Red Dog Casino, Slots Empire, Cherry Gold Casino, Play Croco, Aussie Play, Ozwin Casino, and Reels Of Joy.
