ACMA Requests ISP Blocks Against Seven Illegal Operators

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) announced that it has taken action against seven more illegal online gambling operators, in line with its continued efforts to prevent offshore gaming.

ACMA Cracks Down on Seven More Websites

In its official release, the ACMA confirmed that the seven illegal online gambling websites in question have been referred for ISP blocking. This measure will ensure that internet service providers in Australia do not allow access to the websites in question, thus preventing the operators from taking bets from local players.

According to the ACMA, the seven websites that were subjected to ISP blocking requests included the following:

• Casiny
• CoinPoker
• Crown Play
• Fafabet9
• SlotFred
• Smart 93
• Vigor Spin

Previously, the ACMA blocked Crown Slots and Billy Billion for similar offenses.

The ACMA emphasized that none of these operator brands possessed a license to operate in Australia. It added that website blocking is one of a range of enforcement options to protect locals from the dangerous black market.

1,251 Sites Have Been Blocked So Far

As usual, the ACMA provided an update on its progress, saying that it has blocked 1,251 illegal gambling and affiliate websites since November 2019. The authority added that another 220 illegal services have pulled out of the Australian market since the ACMA started enforcing the country’s new rules on illegal online gambling in 2017.

The regulator addressed the Australian players, reminding them that even the most legitimate-looking gambling websites are unlikely to have important protections to shield their players from harm, guarantee payouts and ensure the fairness of their games. Consumers were therefore encouraged to consult the ACMA’s website if in doubt about a service’s legitimacy.

ACMA Remains Committed to Identifying Violations

In the meantime, the ACMA just issued an AUD 4 million ($2.6 million) fine to Tabcorp after understanding that the operator committed serious breaches of the country’s spam laws. According to the ACMA, the operator flooded VIP players with messages without providing them with an option to unsubscribe.

This was notably the first time the ACMA had investigated and found spam breaches in a gambling VIP program.

Earlier this month, the ACMA uncovered major self-exclusion violations committed by Buddybet, Ultrabet, VicBet and Topbet. Prior to that, the regulatory body penalized PointsBet for breaching both the country’s spam and self-exclusion laws.