ACMA Intensifies Crackdown on Offshore Gambling Platforms

• The Australian Communications and Media Authority targets two additional offshore gambling platforms
• The regulator’s database now includes 1,178 entities
• ACMA aims to partner with international regulators to reduce the industry’s influence within the country

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has initiated a new restricted enforcement action against the offshore gambling sector in Australia. This regulatory body has been actively identifying offshore casino and sports betting platforms that persist in reaching out to Australian customers, despite the prohibition on offering games of chance without the appropriate licensing.

ACMA Targets Two New Operators in Recent Initiative

In its latest enforcement measure, which upholds the Interactive Gambling Act 2001, ACMA has focused on Crown Slots and Billy Billion. These brands have been added to the regulator’s growing list of blocked websites. This blocking effort is implemented with the assistance of internet service providers, giving rise to the term ISP blocking.

Currently, ACMA maintains an extensive list of such websites, with approximately 1,178 entities added since November 2019. This process involves a meticulous case-by-case evaluation, whereby the regulator reviews each website individually and issues a request for an ISP block for any entity found to be violating local gambling laws.

Although the process is often criticized for being slow and inefficient, it has successfully resulted in more than 1,000 websites being blocked, including suppliers and affiliates.

A notable achievement is that ACMA has compelled 220 prominent websites, operating without a license, to cease operations in the country, fearing the regulator’s potential outreach to international regulatory bodies.

International Cooperation Essential to Tackle Offshore Gambling Sector

ACMA is diligently working to establish collaborations with international counterparts, particularly focusing on the regulator in Curacao, urging them to enforce stricter controls over websites that continue to target Australians without the required licensing.

Earlier this year, ACMA undertook a similar enforcement action against a number of websites. The list of blocked services continues to expand steadily. However, for these efforts to be truly effective, international cooperation may be vital. Meanwhile, offshore websites persist in their attempts to engage and market to Australian players.