The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has recently taken action to block additional illegal offshore gambling websites as part of its ongoing efforts to enforce the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
Among the newly blocked sites is Casino Bello, which was found to be operating in violation of Australian gambling laws.
The ACMA has thus requested that Australian Internet Service Providers (ISPs) block access to this and other non-compliant websites.
Website blocking is one of several enforcement strategies employed by the ACMA to combat illegal online gambling.
Since initiating its first blocking request in November 2019, the authority has successfully blocked 1,033 illegal gambling and affiliate websites.
Consumers are reminded that seemingly legitimate services may lack crucial customer protections. The ACMA therefore maintains a register where individuals can verify if a wagering service is licensed to operate in Australia.
Additional resources are also available on the ACMA website for those seeking information on how to protect themselves from illegal operators and how to file complaints about unauthorised sites.
This news comes during a heated period for Australia, with campaigners across the country calling for reform following a report that showed Australian gambling losses have reached AU$32bn.
This surge translates to an average yearly loss of AU$1,555 per Australian adult, up from AU$1,307 in the previous reporting period.
In August of this year, there was also a push to ban gambling ads in the country, with Alliance for Gambling Reforms calling on the Australian Prime Minister to take action.
The open letter proposing the measure was signed by 60 prominent figures, including former Prime Ministers, MPs, sportspeople and academics.
