The Australian Communications and Media Authority has sent a request to internet service providers to block more illegal offshore gambling websites, as well as urging all Australians users of those in question to withdraw funds immediately.
The independent commonwealth statutory authority, which regulates communications and media services throughout the country, has made the move after receiving 35 complaints about the services in question being accessible in Australia.
ACMA investigations found them to be operating in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001, with the subsequent request to ISPs to block the sites made.
The websites are questions are Happy Hugo, Mucho Vegas Casino, Kahuna Casino, Rich Casino, Box 24 Casino, Bondi Bet, JokaRoom, Omni Slots, Fruits 4 Real, XPokies and Slottica.
Since the ACMA made its first blocking request in November 2019, 66 illegal gambling websites have been blocked. More than 100 illegal services have pulled out of the Australian market since the authority started enforcing new illegal offshore gambling rules in 2017.
“Website blocking is one of a range of enforcement options, to protect Australians against illegal online gambling,” the ACMA explained in a media release.
“Website blocking provides a valuable opportunity to alert the public to illegal gambling services though the messaging that appears when there is an attempt to access the site.
“Consumers are directed to information about online gambling on the ACMA’s website including a register of licensed interactive wagering services for consumers to check legal services in Australia.”