NEWS
15 December 2022
Asia bulletin: ACMA blocks additional illegal offshore gambling websites
By Louis Thompsett

The request comes after investigations found two online services were in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.  

The latest sites blocked include both Pokizino and ABA Lucky 33.  

Blocking websites is one of a range of enforcement options the ACMA can take to protect against illegal online gambling. 

The ACMA says that since its first blocking request in November 2019, 652 illegal affiliates and gambling websites have since been blocked. 

The authority also reminds those operating illegally that over 180 illegal services have been removed from the Australian market since it began enforcing new rules to mitigate against this in 2017. 

Furthermore, the ACMA reminds consumers that even if a service looks legitimate, it may be missing important customer protections that regulated and licensed operators usually have.  

The news follows ACMA action taken in September this year after investigations found nine services were operating in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. 

Sites that were blocked earlier in the year included: Winning Days, 21Bit Casino, Oshi Casino, Lucky elf Casino, NeoSpin, Lets Lucky, Boho Casino, Ripper Casino and BC.Game. 

Australians can check whether a wagering service is legal and licensed to operate in Australia on a register found on ACMA's official website. 

Customers of gambling websites from Australia can use the ACMA website to learn more about online gambling, read important information about how to protect themselves from illegal gambling operators and find instructions on how to make a complaint against an illegal site. 

ACMA is an independent Commonwealth authority in charge of regulating communications and media services in Australia.