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The Australia Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has taken decisive action to protect Australians from illegal gambling activities by requesting the blocking of two more popular online casino websites. Richard Casino and Wanted Win have been found to violate the Australia Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
Richard Casino and Wanted Win are the latest to be flagged for offering gambling services without the necessary licenses. Under Australian law, online operators must hold the relevant licenses and provide services that comply with national regulations.
Since its first blocking request in November 2019, the ACMA has blocked more than 1,000 gambling and affiliate websites. Additionally, over 220 illegal services have been withdrawn from the Australian market as part of the ACMA's rigorous enforcement of offshore gambling rules.
The ACMA stresses to Australian consumers that even if a service appears legitimate, it is unlikely to have essential consumer protections. As a result, Australian laws cannot assist if issues arise, such as a service provider withholding winnings.
Last month, the ACMA blocked three more sites—A Big Candy, Jackpoty, and John Vegas Casino—for breaching online gambling regulations. In May, eight websites, including Jogi Casino and Dundee Slots, faced similar actions. March saw another eight sites, including Lucky7even and 50 Crowns, blocked. In February, the ACMA targeted 12 additional sites.
The latest blocking orders coincide with the Australian government's online keno and offshore lotteries review. This review aims to minimize the harms of online gambling in Australia and understand the community impact of these games. The review may lead to a potential ban on these products, which have become increasingly popular online despite existing regulations.
According to recent reports, Australians wager less than 2% of their gambling spend on offshore sites, with the majority of losses attributed to poker machines at land-based locations.
Despite the ACMA's efforts, blocking access to illegal gambling sites remains challenging. Effective enforcement requires ISPs to identify and block specific websites, but these sites can easily rebrand or shift to new domains. Additionally, Australian casino players' use of VPNs for online gambling and bypass restrictions complicates enforcement, posing a persistent challenge for regulators.
The ACMA’s efforts to block illegal gambling websites are part of a broader strategy to ensure that all gambling activities within Australia are conducted within the legal framework, offering consumers the protections they need. As the ACMA continues to refine its strategies and work with ISPs, the ultimate goal remains clear: to ensure a safe, fair, and legal gambling environment for all Australians.
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