The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has taken action against two additional illegal gambling websites, Casea and Crown96, citing violations of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. The ACMA actively collaborates with internet service providers to block websites that engage in illegal activities. Over time, the authority has compiled a list of 1,788 unauthorized gaming and affiliate sites. Since the enforcement initiative began in 2017, approximately 230 businesses have voluntarily ceased their operations in the Australian market.
Despite these efforts, the blocking strategy faces criticism. Many operators quickly create mirror or alternative domains to bypass these blocks, which complicates enforcement. This situation is particularly concerning since Australia lacks a regulated domestic market for online casino gambling. As a result, consumers often turn to offshore operators that provide less consumer protection compared to licensed entities, a risk highlighted by ACMA.
ACMA's enforcement tools extend beyond blocking websites. The regulator previously fined Tabcorp A$1.9 million for allegedly breaching advertising rules by sending promotional messages to customers who had opted to self-exclude.
The ongoing issue of replacement domains presents a significant hurdle for Australian authorities as they strive to combat illegal offshore gambling activities effectively.
