The Australian Communications and Media Authority has called out nine illegal gaming websites and ordered the country’s internet service providers to block them.
According to the ACMA, more than 79 complaints were submitted about these websites: Roo Casino, GW Casino, Wager Beat, Joe Fortune, Ignition Casino, Casino Dingo, AU Slots, Top Bet, and XBet.
“ACMA investigations found these services to be operating in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001,” the ACMA said, adding that Australian bettors should withdraw their funds from these sites.
More than 90 illegal companies have left the market since 2017, when Australia began to enforce its illegal offshore gambling rules, the ACMA said.
Communications Minister Paul Fletcher has said up to AU$400 million each year is spent on illegal gambling sites, amounting to AU$100 million in lost taxation. “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,” Fletcher said.
“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.”
