ACMA Continues to Block Illegal Gambling Websites

8 illegal offshore gambling websites are on the chopping block, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) announced today. The media and communications regulatory body in the country pointed out it would ask internet service providers (ISPs) to block access to them.

Customers Are Strongly Advised to Withdraw Funds Now

ACMA urged customers of Planet 7 Oz, Ace Pokies, Nordicasino, Reeltastic, Spintropolis, Enzo Casino, Times Square Casino, and Royal Spinz to withdraw their money immediately before ISPs block access to them. The enforcement action is undertaken due to the findings by the media regulator that these businesses operate in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001, following numerous complaints from clients.

Customers complained from poor treatment and even operators withholding winnings and ACMA will exert its legal power under section 313 of the Telecommunications Act, to prevent other such occurrences and protect Australian customers. Website blocking is one of the tools ACMA has at its disposal that has proved effective in dealing with illegal offshore gambling operators while at the same time delivering advice.

Whenever a gambler attempts to visit an offshore gambling website, a message pops up that can direct the customer towards valuable information on the ACMA’s website. In addition, it can suggest legal alternatives in the form of a list of all licensed services the gambler can choose from, or allow a check whether a preferred option is legal or not.

In July, the Independent Commonwealth statutory body posted a list of 11 offshore gaming operators, in a similar announcement like the one today, advising clients of Happy Hugo, Mucho Vegas Casino, Kahuna Casino, Rich Casino, Box 24 Casino, Bondi Bet, JokaRoom, Omni Slots, Fruits 4 Real, XPokies, and Slottica to withdraw their funds.

Before that, in May, another group of 10 offshore gaming websites, Grand Fortune Casino, Raging Bull Casino, True Blue Casino, Free Spin, Two Up Casino, BoVegas, Cherry Gold Casino, Slots Empire, Red Dog Casino, and Wild Joker, were submitted to the ISPs for blocking.

In January 9 illegal gambling websites, Roo Casino, GW Casino, Wager Beat, Joe Fortune, Ignition Casino, Casino Dingo, AU Slots, Top Bet, and XBet, were blocked by ACMA, which together with the proposed 8 now, makes the total number of blocked services for 2020 so far 38.

ACMA used the occasion to reiterate its resolve to deal with illegal gambling in the country, pointing out that more than 100 illegal services elected to pull out of the country since 2017. Since its first ISP block in November 2019, the media regulator submitted 92 illegal gambling websites for blocking.