The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) recently announced a new crackdown on illegal online gambling sites, requiring Internet Service Providers (ISP) to block seven unlicensed platforms that violate the Interactive Gambling Act of 2001.
The blocked sites include Casiny, CoinPoker, Crown Play, Fafabet9, SlotFred, Smart 93, and Vigor Spin, all of which operate without a legal Australian license and offer prohibited gambling services.
Since the first blocking request in 2019, more than 1250 illegal gambling and associated websites have been blocked in Australia, and about 220 unlicensed operators have voluntarily exited the market since regulatory enforcement was strengthened in 2017. ACMA continues to remind consumers that unlicensed gambling sites often lack basic consumer protections, posing significant risks to users, with difficulties in pursuing accountability for financial losses.
To protect player rights, ACMA maintains a public register of licensed gambling operators for the public to verify legal platforms. Additionally, the regulatory body provides educational resources and encourages the public to report suspicious illegal gambling services.
This enforcement action is part of ACMA's broader regulatory strategy. Earlier this year, ACMA imposed penalties on four licensed operators for violating the national self-exclusion system BetStop regulations and issued a formal warning to a Curacao-based offshore operator, demonstrating a serious stance on compliance in the gambling industry.
