ACMA Bans Two Offshore Operators as Blocked Sites Exceed 1,000

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) continues its constant effort to fight of the gambling market. In its latest publication, the authority announced that it has ordered local internet service providers (ISPs) to block two more illegal gambling websites.

Two Operators Added to ACMA’s Long List

The ACMA said that its decision followed thorough investigation of the services in question. The regulator’s team found the websites in question to operate in breach of Australia’s Interactive Gambling Act 2001.

In line with its usual strategy, the body leveraged its authority to ask ISPs to block access to the gambling brands in question. This regulatory measure is one of a range of enforcement options available to the regulator and has proven fairly efficient in limiting the influence of foreign companies in Australia.

According to the ACMA, the latest two operators to receive this treatment were Lucky Block and Rooli.

The ACMA us allowed to issues a blocking order if it determines that a website offers illegal online gambling, provides a prohibited service, or promotes unregulated activities.

ACMA Asks Players to Avoid Unlicensed Gambling

The ACMA once again reminded consumers to remain vigilant and engage only with legal services. The regulator emphasized that offshore operators do not play by the rules and are highly unlikely to employ sufficient, if any, consumer protections.

As a result, customers who play with illegal companies have no guarantees of payouts and may also develop addictive tendencies. The ACMA reminded that its register contains a full list of the wagering services that are licensed to operate in Australia.

The ACMA recently surpassed 1,000 blocked illegal gambling and affiliate websites. With Lucky Block and Rooli. now added to this list, this figure has reached a total of 1,059. Earlier this year, the ACMA also issued bans to Richard Casino and Wanted Win, which likewise offered services that violated Australia’s Interactive Gambling Act.

In addition to having blocked over a thousand illegal gambling websites and affiliates, the ACMA’s proactive approach has convinced 220 illegal services to willingly pull out of the Australian market.

In other news, Sportsbet, one of Australia’s major operators, recently stopped providing novelty betting options amid regulatory concerns. Such wagering products included bets on the Grammys and reality shows like Australian Survivor.