Key points:
- ACMA requests the blocking of more illegal offshore gambling websites, including Lucky Block and Rooli
- Over 1,000 illegal websites have been blocked since 2019, with 220 services exiting the market since 2017
- ACMA warns that using illegal services risks financial loss due to a lack of customer protections
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has once again requested that internet service providers (ISPs) block additional illegal offshore gambling websites.
Following investigations, the ACMA determined that the sites Lucky Block and Rooli were operating in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001, prompting the request for their removal from the Australian market.
Website blocking is part of the ACMA’s broader strategy to protect Australian consumers from the risks associated with illegal online gambling.
Since the ACMA initiated its first blocking request in November 2019, a total of 1,059 illegal gambling and affiliate websites have been blocked.
Moreover, more than 220 illegal services have voluntarily exited the Australian market since the ACMA began enforcing stricter offshore gambling regulations in 2017.
The ACMA reminds Australians that using illegal gambling platforms poses significant risks, as these services often lack critical consumer protections. Users could therefore lose money without recourse.
The authority encourages consumers to check the licensing status of any gambling service through its official register before engaging.
The ACMA also provides resources on its website to help protect users from illegal operators and offers guidance on how to file complaints against illicit sites.
In related news, ACMA also found sports streaming service Kayo to be in breach of gambling advertising rules earlier this year.
Kayo was said to have presented a number of gambling advertisements during live sports events outside the time period in which it is allowed.
The company was investigated by the ACMA after complaints from viewers were received relating to livestreams of several sporting events.
The investigations concluded that there had been 16 different gambling advertisements outside the permitted times across a total of 267 live sports events.
