ACMA blocks three gambling sites over missing licences

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has issued a cease and desist order against three offshore gambling websites.

‘A Big Candy’, ‘Jackpoty’, and ‘John Vegas Casino’ have all been found to be lacking the necessary licensing. 

The regulator has now requested Australian internet service providers (ISPs) to block all access to the websites as they have been operating in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA), according to the investigation.  

Under current regulations, all offshore and local operators who want to attract Australian customers must be licensed by the relevant authority. 

Highlighting the dangers that the use of an unlicensed service hides, the ACMA commented: “Even if a service looks legitimate, it’s unlikely to have important customer protections. This means Australians who use illegal gambling services risk losing their money.”

The regulator reminded consumers that all wagering services that are currently licenced in Australia can be viewed on the ACMA’s registry. 

Since the start of the year, there has been an influx of illegal offerings being stomped out by Australia by the ACMA. 

In February, a total of 12 gambling websites were flagged to be in violation of the IGA following detailed investigation. Australian ISPs again had to intervene, as is the usual procedure under current legislation. 

More recently, another 18 offerings were blacklisted during April’s FIFA Women’s World Cup, with three withdrawing from the market while the rest had access to them again cut off by ISPs. 

At the time, Carolyn Lidgerwood, ACMA’s Online Gambling Lead, commented: “Illegal gambling operations often take advantage of high-profile sporting events to push their services onto fans.

“These sites also offer none of the consumer protections that apply to licensed wagering services in Australia. Using these sites is more than a gamble as you have no rights, and even if you win, you may never see the money.”