By BBBB
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has announced the latest additions to its block list of unlicensed gambling websites that are no longer accessible in Australia.
According to the ACMA announcement, internet service providers (ISPs) have been notified that they must block access to:
- Jackpoty
- A Big Candy
- John Vegas Casino
Following an investigation, the ACMA found that the websites listed above were in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 and should not be accessible in the Australian market.
Since it first began limiting access to illegal gambling websites in November 2019, the ACMA has blocked 995 unlicensed and illegal gambling websites.
During that same period around 220 unlicensed gambling businesses have removed their products and services from the Australian market.
According to the latest global gambling statistics, Australia has the highest gambling losses per person at around AU$1850 ($1200/€1210) per year.
Illegal Gambling Major Issue in Australia
Earlier this year the ACMA released a report on illegal wagering activity on the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
According to the report, the ACMA carried out a review of more than 200 offshore sports betting providers in the lead up to and during the World Cup. The tournament took place in Australia and New Zealand between the 20th of July and the 20th of August 2023.
The regulator chose to investigate 21 providers and found that only three did not break any laws. The remaining 18 were in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act for providing illegal wagering on the tournament and/or providing access to casino-style online gaming which is illegal in Australia. Following the investigation, three of the 18 providers withdrew from the Australian market. The remaining 15 were blocked by local internet service providers (ISPs).
Licensed Bookmakers Also a Problem
The ACMA has also carried out several investigations into licensed bookmakers in the local market. The most recent investigation revealed that Ladbrokes, Neds, bet365, and Sportsbet breached online gambling regulations relating to in-play betting.
According to the ACMA announcement, Ladbrokes and Neds (owned by Entain), bet365 and Sportsbet all allowed in-play betting through the use of ‘Fast/Quick Codes’ on sporting events. These codes are provided to customers through a betting website or app to build an in-play wager. The code is then quoted by the customer when they place the wager over the phone.
This is in breach of gambling regulations and while no regulatory action was required, the companies were warned about their requirement to remain compliant of local regulations.
English