Australia Blocks more Gambling Sites

By Simon Wright, Last updated Feb 23, 2021

The Australian Communications and Media Authority ( ACMA ) have ordered internet service providers in the country to block a further nine online gambling sites. With the order further demonstrating the power the regulator has under section 313 of the Telecommunications Act.

The nine sites subject to the ISP block are Roo Casino, GW Casino, Wager Beat, Joe Fortune, Ignition Casino, Casino Dingo, AU Slots, Top Bet, and XBet. With the ACMA having received nearly 80 complaints about these sites.

A spokesperson for the ACMA commenting on the action taken, said: “ACMA investigations found these services to be operating in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.”

Since 2017 when the ACMA started to enforce illegal offshore gambling legislation, over 90 iGaming operators have exited the Australian marketplace. With Australian Communications Minister, Paul Fletcher, stating that: “Up to AU$400 million each year is spent on illegal gambling sites, amounting to AU$100 million in lost taxation.”

Fletcher also commented: “While ACMA has a range of powers to protect Australians from illegal gambling services — including issuing formal warnings and seeking civil penalty orders, it can be difficult to take direct action against faceless companies with no legal presence on our shores.”

“This is an important partnership with the Communications Alliance, and I want to acknowledge industry’s support. Working with ACMA, these additional measures give ISPs the ability to block illegal websites, protecting Australians and contributing to a safer online gambling environment.”

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