Australia
ACMA Reveals Illegal Gambling Crackdown Results
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) revealed the outcome of a crackdown on illegal online gambling services operating around the time of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The report published shows that 200 offshore services were reviewed in the lead-up to and during the event. Of those services, 21 were investigated as they appeared to be directly targeting Australians. As a result, 18 services were found to be operating in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
Following notification of the ACMA’s findings, three of those services withdrew from the Australian market, while the remaining 15 services had their websites blocked by internet service providers at the request of the ACMA.
ACMA authority member and online gambling lead Carolyn Lidgerwood said the sites were unlicensed to provide wagering services in Australia and in some cases also offered interactive gambling services such as online casinos and slots or online in-play betting, which are all banned in Australia.
“Illegal gambling operations often take advantage of high-profile sporting events to push their services onto fans. These sites also offer none of the consumer protections that apply to licensed wagering services in Australia. Using these sites is more than a gamble as you have no rights and even if you win, you may never see the money,” Ms Lidgerwood said.
Since 2019, the ACMA has been asking internet service providers to block gambling websites found to be operating in breach of Australian interactive gambling laws. Over that time, more than 900 illegal gambling and affiliate websites have been blocked.
More than 220 illegal services have also pulled out of the Australian market since the ACMA started enforcing illegal offshore gambling rules.
Minimising gambling harm is a current ACMA compliance priority and Australians can check on the ACMA’s online register to see if a wagering service is licensed to operate in Australia.
More information about online gambling is available on the ACMA’s website, including information on how to protect yourself from illegal gambling operators and instructions on how to make a complaint about an illegal site.
-
Africa5 days ago
Altenar obtains National Manufacturer licence in South Africa
-
Industry News2 days ago
Pennsylvania Skill, powered by Pace-O-Matic, congratulates PA Gaming Control Board and casinos on a banner 2024 with record monthly revenue
-
Asia6 days ago
Government support, medals, and global recognition define a landmark year for Indian esports and video gaming in 2024
-
Latest News2 days ago
FBM Foundation spreads holiday cheer with initiatives in Brazil and the Philippines
-
Australia4 days ago
AUSTRAC Takes Ladbrokes and Neds’ Operator – Entain – to Federal Court Over Serious Non-compliance with Australia’s Money Laundering Laws
-
eSports5 days ago
GRID Joins IBIA as an Associate Member, Strengthening Esports Integrity
-
Australia6 days ago
Regulating the Game 2025 adds masterclass on safer gambling training and customer care
-
Interviews5 days ago
FTDx Wins Xanada Startup Contest: Unlocking Untapped iGaming Traffic with Innovative Monetization Solutions