The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA)  is set to request Australian internet service providers (ISPs) to block more illegal offshore gambling websites.

The ACMA has received over 30 complaints about these services that are accessible in Australia.

ACMA investigations found them to be operating in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. The ACMA can now request ISPs to block these websites.

Website blocking is one of a range of enforcement options, to protect Australians against illegal online gambling. Since the ACMA made its first blocking request in November 2019, 35 illegal gambling websites have been blocked.

More than 100 illegal services have pulled out of the Australian market since we started enforcing new illegal offshore gambling rules in 2017.

Website blocking provides a valuable opportunity to alert the public to illegal gambling services though the messaging that appears when there is an attempt to access the site. Consumers are directed to information about online gambling on the ACMA’s website including a register of licensed interactive wagering services for consumers to check legal services in Australia.