The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has requested that internet service providers (ISPs) block eight more illegal gambling websites after investigations found these services to be operating in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
The latest sites blocked include Lucky7even, 50 Crowns, Rockwin, Bitdreams, Mr Pacho, Casino Infinity, Zota Bet, and Spicyjackpots.
ACMA said that since it made its first blocking request in November 2019, 945 illegal gambling and affiliate websites have been blocked. A further 221 illegal services have been pulled out of the Australian market since the ACMA started enforcing illegal offshore gambling rules.
In a statement, ACMA also reminded consumers that even if a service looks legitimate, it's unlikely to have important consumer protections. “This means our laws can’t help if something goes wrong, like if the service provider withholds winnings. Australians can check if a wagering service is licensed to operate in Australia on our register,” the authority said.
The authority noted that website blocking is "one of a range of enforcement options" to protect Australians against illegal gambling services. A blocking request can be made if a service is providing prohibited interactive gambling services to customers in Australia (such as online casinos, online slot machines, and services that allow in-play online sports betting).
It can also be made if a service is providing an unlicensed regulated interactive gambling service to customers in Australia (such as online betting services that don’t have a valid Australian license) or publishing ads for prohibited interactive gambling services or unlicensed regulated interactive gambling services in Australia.
Last month, the authority requested the blocking of 12 websites including Playzilla, Wazamba, Zet Casino, Slots Palace, Nomini, Casinia, SG Casino, Fez Bet, Buran Casino, Spin Better, Golden Bet, and Clash.gg.
