ACMA blocking drive continues with nine more sites taken down

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The Australian Communications and Media Authority has undertaken its latest wave of illegal online gambling blocks in a bid to maintain protections for consumers across the country.

This has seen the statutory authority request that Australian internet service providers block more illegal offshore gambling websites, after investigations found a further nine services to be operating in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.

In the latest enforcement actions undertaken by the ACMA, sites to be blocked are Winning Days, 21Bit Casino, Oshi Casino, Lucky Elf Casino, NeoSpin, Lets Lucky, Boho Casino, Ripper Casino and BC.Game.

Since the ACMA made its first blocking request in November 2019, 642 illegal gambling and affiliate websites have been blocked. Over 180 illegal services have also pulled out of the Australian market since the group started enforcing new illegal offshore gambling rules in 2017.

Website blocking forms one of a range of enforcement options available to protect Australians against illegal online gambling. 

Furthermore, the ACMA has also issued a reminder to consumers that “even if a service looks legitimate, its unlikely to have important customer protections. 

“This means Australians who use illegal gambling services risk losing their money. You can check if a wagering service is licensed to operate in Australia on our register.”

Earlier this year, Proxous Advanced Solutions was issued with a formal warning from the ACMA after it was found that the group was offering services to illegal online entities.

Following an investigation, it was discovered that Proxous had provided gaming software that was used by 13 online casinos illegally offering services to Australians.

The illegal services using Proxous licensed software were found to be Fair Go Casino, Two Up Casino, Free Spin, BoVegas, Uptown Pokies, Uptown Aces, Red Dog Casino, Slots Empire, Cherry Gold Casino, Play Croco, Aussie Play, Ozwin Casino and Reels Of Joy.