ACMA adds four more websites to internet blocking order

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has ousted four more websites over illegal gambling and affiliate marketing services. 

Internet service providers were ordered by the regulator to block access to Casino Australia Online, Pokies.bet, Pokiesman, and Smart Pokies, with the conviction that they’re operating in breach of Australia’s Interactive Gambling Act 2001. 

As a preventive measure to protect Australian consumers, the ACMA can ask web service companies to take down websites if they “provide prohibited interactive gambling services, provide an unlicensed regulated gambling service, or publish ads for any such services”. 

The ACMA issued its first blocking request in 2019, and has since banned a total of 1,026 gambling and affiliate websites it has deemed illegal. 

“The ACMA is reminding consumers that even if a service looks legitimate, it’s unlikely to have important consumer protections,” the regulator reminded. 

“This means our laws can’t help if something goes wrong, like if the service provider withholds winnings. Australians can check if a wagering service is licensed to operate in Australia on our register.”