The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has taken action against two more online gambling websites, Casea and Crown96, deeming them illegal under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. As part of its efforts, ACMA collaborates with internet service providers to block websites involved in unlawful activities. To date, the authority has compiled a list of 1,788 unauthorized gaming and affiliate sites that are prohibited from operating in Australia. Since launching its enforcement initiative in 2017, around 230 businesses have opted to cease operations in the Australian market voluntarily.
Despite these measures, the blocking strategy has faced criticism. Online gambling operators are known to create mirror or replacement domains even when their original sites are blocked, complicating enforcement efforts. This problem is noteworthy, particularly because Australia lacks a licensed domestic market for online casino gambling. As a result, consumers looking for online casino services often have to turn to offshore operators, which the ACMA warns may not offer the same level of consumer protection as regulated providers.
ACMA employs more than just website blocking to enforce regulations. The authority has previously levied a significant fine of A$1.9 million on Tabcorp for violations of advertising regulations linked to promotional text messages sent to customers who had opted for self-exclusion. The emergence of replacement domains continues to pose a challenge for Australian authorities as they strive to curtail offshore gambling activities.
