ACMA to call on ISPs to block nine illegal gambling websites

Nine illegal gambling websites could soon be blocked by Australian internet service providers (ISPs) following new instructions from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).

The move comes as part of a blitz on online gambling sites operating in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001, announced in November last year.

The latest sweep could see ISPs axe access to Roo Casino, GW Casino, Wager Beat, Joe Fortune, Ignition Casino, AU Slots, Top Bet and XBet, after the ACMA received more than 79 complaints against the sites and subsequent investigations found them to be in breach of the Act. Users of these sites should withdraw their money immediately, the ACMA warned.

More than 90 illegal companies have pulled out of the Australian market since the ACMA started enforcing new illegal offshore gambling rules in 2017, the regulator claimed. This includes Emu Casino, which was blocked in November last year and is allowing affected users to retrieve funds through its customer support.

Consumers can access a Register of licensed interactive wagering services, as well as information on how to protect against illegal gambling operators via ACMA’s website.

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