NEWS
23 February 2022
More illegal offshore gambling websites blocked by ACMA
By Peter Lynch

The ACMA has requested that Australian internet services providers (ISPs) block the following sites: Zebet, Zeturf, Slot Vibe, Arlekin Casino, Johnnie Kash Kings, Lucky Star, Horus Casino, Tangiers Casino, 7 Reels, 21 Dukes, Winward Casino, and Thebes Casino.

Having undertaken investigations, the ACMA found the aforementioned sites to be in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. Since the ACMA made its first blocking request in November 2019, a total of 399 illegal gambling websites have been blocked.

Additionally, over 160 illegal services have withdrawn from the Australian market since the authority began enforcing new illegal offshore gambling rules in 2017.

Website blocking is one of a range of enforcement options to protect Australians against illegal online gambling,” a statement from the ACMA read.

“Website blocking provides a valuable opportunity to alert the public to illegal gambling services through the messaging that appears when there is an attempt to access the site.

“The ACMA is reminding consumers that even if a service looks legitimate, it’s unlikely to have important customer protections. This means Australians who use illegal gambling services risk losing their money.”

In November 2021, the ACMA requested that ISPSs in the country block two illegal offshore lottery websites. We Love Lotto and Red Fox Lotto were found to offer tickets in major overseas online lotteries, yet the sites were not licensed in Australia. These were the very first lottery sites to be blocked by the ACMA.