Australian media regulator blocks 11 offshore gambling sites
ACMA steps in with ISP blocking orders after 35 complaints from Aussie consumers
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has warned Australian punters to withdraw their funds from 11 offshore gambling sites, pending the implementation of ISP blocking orders.
Sites to be blocked include Happy Hugo, Mucho Vegas Casino, Kahuna Casino, Rich Casino, Box 24 Casino, Bondi Bet, JokaRoom, Omni Slots, Fruits 4 Real, XPokies and Slottica online casino.
Regulators from ACMA reported 35 separate complaints about the sites, which all operate illegally in contravention of Australian gambling laws.
Under the legislation, ACMA can investigate suspect sites and can refer those in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act to internet service providers to be blocked.
The measures were part of a series of interactive gambling laws recommended by former NSW premier Barry O’Farrell in 2015.
Since the ACMA began blocking sites in November 2019, more than 66 illegal sites have been blocked including domains Emu Casino and Fair Go Casino.
More than 100 illegal services have pulled out of the Australian market since regulators began enforcing new illegal offshore gambling rules in 2017.