Australia Strengthens Fight Against Illegal Online Gambling
Expanding the List of Banned Gambling Sites
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has taken significant steps to curb illegal online gambling by adding 12 more websites to its list of prohibited domains. This move is part of ACMA’s ongoing effort to tackle the growing presence of unauthorized gambling platforms in Australia.
Recent Enforcement Actions by ACMA
ACMA enforces the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 and recently suspended domains including 7Signs, Crhomabet, Donbet, Duospin, Freshbet, Slots Gem, Jacks Club, Lucky Start, among others. The authority claims these operators have been functioning without the required licenses and, in some cases, have offered illegal online casino games, which are prohibited in Australia.
Ongoing Challenges in Regulating Illegal Gambling
The regulator has adopted a diligent approach by identifying offending websites, investigating them, and instructing Australian Internet Service Providers to block access. To date, ACMA has taken action against 1,751 illegal gambling and affiliate sites and some 230 services have voluntarily ceased operations.
Adaptive Strategies of Illegal Operators
Despite these efforts, many illegal gambling operators continue their activities by quickly launching mirror sites after their original domains are blocked. This cat-and-mouse game has made it challenging for ACMA, as blocking websites involves careful review processes.
Broadening Enforcement Measures
ACMA has widened its focus beyond websites to include individuals within Australia who assist these operators in reaching customers. In particular, the authority has targeted online influencers in an attempt to discourage them from promoting unauthorized gambling services.
