By BBBB
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has 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.
In its review, the regulator identified a number of sports betting providers that were operating in the Australian market without a proper license issued by a relevant local gaming authority. These were identified through customer complaints and websites with a high volume of traffic prior to and during the tournament.
21 online sports betting providers were investigated following the review.
The majority of sites in question also provided casino-style gaming which is prohibited under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
Of the 21 providers investigated, the ACMA found that three did not break any laws while the remaining 18 were in breach of the Act. Following the investigation, three of the 18 providers withdrew from the Australian market while the remaining 15 were blocked by local internet service providers (ISPs) as per the ACMA’s request.
The report did not list the online gambling providers that were under investigation. However, a full list of actions taken against unlicensed gambling operators during the calendar year 2023 can be seen on the ACMA website.
English