ACMA Puts 9 More Offshore Gambling Sites on Chopping Block

The Australian Communications and Media Authority’s (ACMA) crusade against offshore gambling has continued with a new ban wave. Only two weeks after blocking several websites, the regulator has returned with 9 more blocks.

The ACMA Has Requested ISPs to Block 9 More Websites

In its official announcement, the ACMA confirmed that it has issued a request to Australian internet service providers (ISPs) to block access to several online gambling websites and affiliates. The request follows investigations that found the websites in question to be operating in violation of Australia’s Interactive Gambling Act 2001.

In its release, the ACMA confirmed the following brands as the violators in question:

• Cashed
• King Maker
• Posido
• Spinight
• Spinsy
• next2go-au.com
• The Pokies Reviews
• Topio Networks
• wizbet.app

The ACMA noted that next2go-au.com and wizbet.app were illegal imitations of Next2Go and WizBet, which are licensed services.

Like always, the ACMA warned consumers against using such websites since they are unlikely to have protections to shield players from gambling addiction. Additionally, unlicensed websites offer no guarantees of payouts and, due to their offshore nature.

The ACMA encouraged Australian players to check whether a wagering service is licensed on its official register.

ACMA Remains Committed to Protecting Local Players

The ACMA emphasized that ISP blocking is one of the enforcement options available to it in order to protect Australian players from illegal gambling. The regulator has been hellbent on weeding out offshore operators from Australia and, since its first blocking request in November 2019, has banned 1,369 illegal gambling operators and affiliate sites.

In addition to that, the ACMA’s enforcement efforts have convinced approximately 220 illegal services to willingly pull out of the Australian market.

The ACMA encouraged Australians to report unlicensed services they come across.

The ACMA’s latest action comes in the wake of concerning reports about offshore websites preying upon self-excluded players. While self-exclusion is a reliable way for players with addictive tendencies to give themselves a cool-down period, illegal sites do not play by the rules. As a result, offshore operators expose vulnerable players to significant harm risks, highlighting the importance of regulatory intervention.