ACMA Targets 9 Additional Offshore Gambling Sites for Blocking
Introduction to ACMA’s Latest Enforcement Actions
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has intensified its crackdown on illegal offshore gambling operations by ordering internet service providers (ISPs) in Australia to block nine more websites. This new round of blocks comes just two weeks after a previous wave targeting multiple websites, highlighting ACMA’s ongoing efforts to regulate online gambling and protect Australian players.
ACMA’s Request for ISP Blocks on Nine Gambling Websites
ACMA officially announced its request to Australian ISPs to restrict access to several online gambling platforms found to be in violation of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. These sites were operating without the necessary licenses and safeguards required under Australian law.
The nine sites identified are:
- Cashed
- King Maker
- Posido
- Spinight
- Spinsy
- next2go-au.com
- The Pokies Reviews
- Topio Networks
- wizbet.app
Notably, two of these websites — next2go-au.com and wizbet.app — were found to be unauthorized imitations of licensed platforms Next2Go and WizBet.
ACMA cautions consumers against using these illegal sites due to the high risks involved. Such platforms typically lack protections against gambling addiction and provide no guarantees regarding payouts, posing significant dangers to Australian players.
Players are advised to verify whether any online wagering service is officially licensed by consulting the ACMA register to ensure a safe gambling experience.
ACMA’s Commitment to Safeguarding Australian Gamblers
Blocking access through ISPs is one of the key enforcement strategies ACMA employs to eliminate illegal offshore gambling activities from the Australian market. Since initiating its blocking requests in November 2019, ACMA has successfully targeted and restricted over 1,300 illegal gambling operators and affiliate websites.
Moreover, these stringent actions have persuaded roughly 220 unlicensed operators to voluntarily exit Australia to comply with regulations.
The regulator urges Australian citizens to report any unlicensed or suspicious gambling services they encounter to bolster ongoing enforcement efforts.
Protecting Vulnerable Players from Offshore Risks
This latest ACMA initiative comes amid growing concern about offshore gambling sites exploiting self-excluded players. Self-exclusion programs allow players to take breaks from gambling to address addictive behaviors, but illegal offshore operators do not adhere to these restrictions, increasing harm risks.
The exploitation of vulnerable players by unregulated sites underscores the vital role of regulatory bodies like ACMA in maintaining a safe and responsible gambling environment in Australia.
