This week, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is ordering internet service providers to block two additional offshore gambling sites. Customers of these sites operating in Australia are urged to remove money now. The two affected sites include Fortune Clock Casino and Dinkum Pokies.
The ACMA is ordering the block of these two sites after several complaints were received about the operators. Complaints by consumers included players being treated poorly and winnings being withheld. Investigations were started against the operators after the complaints were filed and they found the websites were operating in violation of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
The ACMA began blocking sites back in November of last year and since that time, a total of 150 sites have been blocked. To avoid any issue, more than 100 operators who are considered to be offering services illegally have removed themselves from the market in Australia.
With the website blocking method, it is considered a top way to alert the public of illegal gambling operations. When a player tries to access such sites, a message will appear that alerts the player of the blockage and why.
Any online site that is found to be offering services in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 will be blocked. Such violations of this act can include offering casino-style games or operating gambling services without a license.
This recent order follows several months of ISP blockage. When 2020 began, the ACMA ordered nine websites to be blocked. In July, 11 more sites were blocked and by August, an additional eight sites were blocked.
The New South Wales Office of Responsible Gambling provided a warning to consumers about online gambling in April. They stated that for players who want to gamble online, they should do so by using services only licensed in the country. This way, they are protected by consumer safeguards and have access to responsible gambling options.
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