The ACMA has requested that Australian internet service providers (ISPs) block more illegal offshore gambling and affiliate marketing websites.

The sites include Casino Moons, Winnerama, Extra Vegas, Win Paradise, LegitGamblingSites and Gamblers Lab.

The ACMA investigated and found these services to be operating in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.

Website blocking is one of a range of enforcement options to protect Australians against illegal online gambling. Since the ACMA made its first blocking request in November 2019, 568 illegal gambling and affiliate websites have been blocked.

Over 170 illegal services have also pulled out of the Australian market since the ACMA started enforcing new illegal offshore gambling rules in 2017.

Catena Media has announced that it is expanding the strategic review it initiated on 20 May 2022 to its entire European online sports betting and casino affiliation business.

The European business, consisting of online sports betting and casino affiliation assets acquired prior to mid-2018, has faced challenges in recent years. These relate to regulatory changes in markets including the UK, Sweden, Germany and, most recently, the Netherlands. They also reflect general market developments in Europe, which have affected casino operations in particular.

The expanded strategic review seeks to identify efficiencies in Catena Media’s European operations and to increase the group’s focus on higher margin opportunities within the region. The intention is to free up resources to capitalise on growth opportunities in the fast-growing North American business and in the Asia-Pacific and Latin American regions, thus creating maximum value for the company and its shareholders going forward.

The group aims to pursue annualised savings of at least EUR 5m in operational and capital expenditures. Following applicable laws and relevant regulations, Catena Media will start reviewing its European product portfolio and cost base and enter into a formal consultation process for potentially affected UK- and Malta-based roles. The company intends to provide an update on the outcome before the end of September.

Gaming Innovation Group Inc. (GiG), has extended its agreement with European gaming operator Novibet for its automated affiliate marketing compliance and screening tool, GiG Comply.

GiG’s automated marketing compliance solution enables operators like Novibet to scan web pages for content including links, iGaming code red words and regulatory requirements across multiple jurisdictions. It works by using its rules engine to analyse real snapshots from affiliates’ campaigns and provides operators with the promotional content that is being used in their brands’ promotions.

It is a flexible tool, which allows operators to set-up their own criteria and checklist parameters and can be tailored to cover any market-specific requirements, helping to ensure that operators remain compliant in multiple jurisdictions.

GiG Comply will continue to help Novibet to remain proactive and in control of its marketing compliance by ensuring affiliates are fully aligned with their brand and responsible gaming requirements.

Jonas Warrer, CMO at GiG, said:“ It’s always a proud moment when one of our partners decides to continue to place trust in GiG Comply. Extending the partnership shows that our marketing compliance tool reflects Novibet’s commitment to sustainability and responsible gaming. We look forward to continuing to support them with their affiliate marketing compliance ”

George Gerakanakis, International Affiliate Manager at Novibet, said: “Providing an engaging yet safe and fully compliant gaming experience is the trifecta of our operations, at Novibet. We set the standards of compliance very high and as we move forward, we are confident to have built such a strong partnership with GiG. With the recent extension of our partnership, the relying GiG Comply tool will continue to support the affiliate compliance team across the regulated markets we operate in.”