The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has urged Australian internet service providers (ISPs) to block several gaming and affiliate marketing sites that have been operating in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
The websites and affiliate marketing sites include:
- Casino Australia Online
- Pokies.bet
- Pokiesman
- Smart Pokies
The above sites were found to be providing prohibited interactive gambling services to Australian citizens and promoting prohibited interactive gambling services or unlicensed regulated interactive gambling services in Australia.
Since ACMA started enforcing illegal offshore gambling rules, over 220 illegal services have pulled out from Australia, and about 1,026 illegal gambling and affiliate websites have been blocked since its first blocking request in 2019.
ACMA's report for April to June 2024 showed that ACMA has looked into 514 inquiries and complaints, completed 14 investigations into 15 gambling sites, found 17 breaches of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA), issued 15 formal warnings and blocked 50 websites and 359 URLs. Of the complaints received, 463 (90%) were valid complaints that required investigations under the IGA. Of the 15 formal warnings, four were recent cases with one major example of advertising illegal interactive gambling services in Australia.
Regarding gambling advertisements, Australia’s Alliance for Gambling Reforms has also pushed for a ban on all gambling ads, especially those targeted at children.
ACMA also held consumer awareness campaigns, such as educating Australian citizens about the credit card ban by Responsible Wagering Australia (RWA).
