ACMA Instructs ISPs to Block Additional Illegal Gambling Sites

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has identified 12 more gambling sites operating illegally and has instructed internet service providers (ISPs) to block access to them. The sites include 7Signs, ChromaBet, Donbet, Duospin, Freshbet, Slots Gem, Jacks Club, Lucky Start, Pointsbetz.com, Spinrise, Vinyl Casino, and Wildsino. The ACMA specifically noted that the name Pointsbetz.com closely resembles that of a licensed operator, PointsBet, which may confuse consumers into believing they are engaging with a legitimate service. This latest directive from the ACMA raises the total number of illegal gambling and affiliate sites blocked since November 2019 to 1,751. Since the introduction of stricter enforcement measures against illegal online gambling in 2017, over 230 unlicensed gambling services have exited the Australian market, according to the ACMA. The authority has cautioned consumers that many illegal gambling websites may seem legitimate but typically lack essential consumer protections, potentially leading to financial loss without recourse for users.