Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) Enacts Fresh Internet Barriers Against Remote Gambling Operations

** here's a fresh take **

** ACMA Takes Action Against Two More Offshore Casinos **

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) continues its crackdown on offshore gambling sites targeting Australian customers, this time setting its sights on Crown Slots and Billy Billion. The two brands join the growing list of blocked websites, now totaling approximately 1,178 entities since November 2019.

In the latest enforcement action, ACMA has employed Israel-style ISP blocking to restrict access to these sites. This approach has already seen more than 1,000 websites blocked, including suppliers and affiliates, and has forced 220 prominent websites without a license to leave the market.

ACMA Steps Up International collaboration

The battle against offshore casinos isn't a one-man show for ACMA. They're actively working with counterparts from Curacao and other regulatory bodies, urging for stricter oversight over websites that continue to target Australians without the necessary licenses. In February this year, ACMA issued a similar enforcement action against eight websites.

Though specific details about international collaborations aren't widely disclosed, ACMA's efforts are part of a broader international push to regulate online gambling. Organizations like the International Association of Gaming Advisors (IAGA) likely facilitate such collaborations.

Educating Consumers and Strengthening Regulations

ACMA also places a strong emphasis on consumer education, urging Australians to verify the legitimacy of online gambling services before using them. Stricter regulations, including proposals for a national gambling watchdog and stronger advertising rules, provide legislative support for ACMA's actions.

Image credits: Unsplash.com

Enrichment Insights:- ACMA's actions are consistent with global trends to regulate and limit offshore gambling operators.- International collaboration is facilitated through organizations like the IAGA and other regulatory bodies.- ACMA's enforcement actions are supported by legislative frameworks like the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. There's also a political push for stronger regulations.- ACMA urges Australians to verify the legitimacy of online gambling services and emphasizes the importance of consumer awareness to reduce the appeal of offshore sites.- Stricter advertising rules and proposals for a national gambling watchdog provide additional legislative support for ACMA's actions.

The ACMA's ongoing crackdown on offshore gambling sites includes sports betting, as they recently blocked access to Crown Slots and Billy Billion, two brands offering these services.
The ACMA's efforts extend beyond Australia, with collaborations with Curacao and other regulatory bodies aiming for stricter oversight over offshore operators that target Australians without proper licenses.
As part of its strategy, the ACMA advocates for stronger gambling laws, proposing the establishment of a national gambling watchdog and stricter advertising rules to offer more protection to consumers.
Consumers are urged to be aware of the legitimacy of online gambling services they use, given that unlicensed operators can be problematic, regardless of whether they specialize in sports betting or other forms of gambling.

Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) Enacts Fresh Internet Barriers Against Remote Gambling Operations