Australia is taking a giant pair of scissors to the internet cables that link the island nation to major online gambling sites. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is gearing up to order the nation’s internet service providers (ISPs) to block residents from accessing an additional 11 offshore gambling sites.
“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,” a statement by ACMA explained. “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.”
While it might seem that Australia is randomly cutting off access to these sites, that’s not necessarily the case. The regulator responds to complaints by investigating sites and taking action.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority notes it has received over 35 complaints about the abovementioned sites, prompting an investigation that confirmed these sites are operating in breach of the 2001 Interactive Gambling Act.
The affected sites are Happy Hugo, Mucho Vegas Casino, Kahuna Casino, Rich Casino, Box 24 Casino, Bondi Bet, JokaRoom, Omni Slots, Fruits 4 Real, XPokies and Slottica. Poker players can take comfort knowing that card rooms aren’t on the latest hit list.
Earlier this year, Grand Fortune Casino, Raging Bull Casino, True Blue Casino, Free Spin, Two Up Casino, BoVegas, Cherry Gold Casino, Slots Empire, Red Dog Casino and Wild Joker were all blocked.
Because Aussies will soon be cut off from accessing the sites, the Australian Communications and Media Authority is giving players ample warning so that they can withdraw any funds they have on the sites.
Since gaining the power to order ISPs to block gambling sites in November 2019, the Australian Communications and Media Authority has blocked a total of 66 websites.
