Australia’s media regulator strengthens crackdown on illegal gambling sites

Jenny Ortiz March 21, 2024

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) continues its vigilant stance against illegal online gambling and offshore operators.

Following an investigation revealing nearly a dozen unlicensed operators, ACMA instructed internet service providers (ISPs) to restrict access to platforms such as Spicyjackpots, Zota Bet, Mr Pacho, and Casino Infinity.

Further websites including Lucky7even, 50 Crowns, Bitdreams, and Rockwin were also targeted for blocking.

Sustained vigilance

This latest crackdown adds to ACMA’s track record of combating illegal online gambling.

Over the years, the authority has submitted requests to block 945 illicit gambling, affiliate, and offshore websites.

Moreover, 221 illegal service providers have exited the Australian market in response to ACMA’s enforcement actions.

Protecting consumers

ACMA underscores the risks associated with engaging with unlicensed gambling operators, emphasizing that consumers are not afforded legal protections under Australian law.

To guide consumers towards licensed and regulated options, ACMA maintains a list of authorized interactive gambling operators, including licensed on-course bookmakers across the country.

Gambling growth in Australia

According to data from Statista, the love of sport and pub culture of Australians contributed resulted to having gambling as a popular pastime among adults in the country.

Statista said in 2020, Australians spent close to 17 billion Australian dollars on electronic gaming machines, lotto, and other gaming alone.

Moreover, the global data and business intelligence platform said the gross value added by the gambling industry in Australia contributed around 420 million Australian dollars to the country’s economy in 2022.

This growth made Australia an attractive market for investment in the gambling industry and is continuing to grow, particularly in the online gaming segment.