ACMA makes significant illegal gambling website block
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has made one of its most significant illegal gambling website blocks ever, requesting that Australian internet service providers (ISPs) block thepokies.net.
As noted by the ACMA, payments to the website are estimated to run into tens of millions of dollars, with data from Similarweb showing there are around 30,000 Australians visiting the site each month.
An investigation from the authority found the site was operating online casino style games, which are prohibited in the country under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
“We have received more complaints about thepokies.net this year than any other illegal gambling website, and it is clearly doing a lot of harm to the Australian community,” said ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin.
“Complaints have ranged from people who have lost significant amounts of money through to the site refusing to honour deposits and winnings.
“By blocking access to sites like this we are sending a strong message that the ACMA can and will take action to stop illegal operators from targeting Australians.”
The ACMA has also requested ISPs to block illegal gambling sites Azure Hand, Abo Casino, Betroom, 777Bay, Space Lilly, Jet Casino, Katsu Bet, and Winz.
The ACMA added that 160 illegal services have pulled out of the Australian market since the group started enforcing new illegal offshore gambling rules in 2017. Along with website blocking, the authority also relies on industry engagement, targeted enforcement and public education to disrupt illegal gambling.
O’Loughlin added: “If one of these sites decides to keep your money, and we know that happens quite regularly, there is nothing you can do about it.”
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