The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) will today request Australian internet service providers (ISPs) block illegal offshore lottery websites We Love Lotto and Red Fox Lotto.

Authority member Fiona Cameron said the two websites will be the first lottery sites blocked in Australia after ACMA investigations found they offer tickets in major overseas online lotteries and are not licenced in Australia, which is prohibited under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.

“We Love Lotto and Red Fox Lotto are both operating illegally in Australia, meaning there are no consumer safeguards in place for players,” Ms Cameron said.

“Blocking illegal offshore sites protects Australians from potentially dodgy operators, where there is little or no recourse if things go wrong. Lottery services that are licensed in Australia and operating legally have important safeguards that consumers expect.”

While these are the first lottery services to be blocked, the ACMA has been requesting ISPs block illegal casino-style gambling sites since November 2019.