ACMA blocks six more offshore gambling websites

| By Robert Fletcher
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has issued blocking orders against a further six offshore gambling websites after ruling they were operating in the country illegally.
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Pokie Surf, 24 Casino, Stellar Spins, Olympia Casino, Rock n Reels and Boomerang Casino were all found in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.

As a result, ACMA issued a request for Australian internet service providers to block access to all six websites for players in the country.

Since ACMA made its first blocking request in November 2019, a total of 686 illegal gambling and affiliate websites have been blocked in Australia.

In addition, more than 190 illegal services have pulled out of the country since ACMA began enforcing new illegal offshore gambling rules.

“ACMA is reminding consumers that even if a service looks legitimate, its unlikely to have important customer protections,” ACMA said. “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.”

The latest blocking orders come after ACMA in November said it would focus on “affiliate services that promote and drive traffic to illegal online casinos”.

ACMA explained its actions for the July-September period, declaring affiliate services that drive traffic to illegal and offshore offerings while often posing as independent reviewers of gambling sites are its compliance priority.

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