The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has announced the latest additions to its block list of unlicensed gambling websites that are no longer accessible in Australia.
According to the ACMA announcement, internet service providers (ISPs) have been notified that they must block access to:
- Jackpoty
- A Big Candy
- John Vegas Casino
Following an investigation, the ACMA found that the websites listed above were in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 and should not be accessible in the Australian market.
Since it first began limiting access to illegal gambling websites in November 2019, the ACMA has blocked 995 unlicensed and illegal gambling websites.
During that same period around 220 unlicensed gambling businesses have removed their products and services from the Australian market.
According to the latest global gambling statistics, Australia has the highest gambling losses per person at around AU$1850 ($1200/€1210) per year.
Illegal Gambling Major Issue in Australia
Earlier this year the ACMA released a report on illegal wagering activity on the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
According to the report, the ACMA carried out a review of more than 200 offshore sports betting providers in the lead up to and during the World Cup. The tournament took place in Australia and New Zealand between the 20th of July and the 20th of August 2023.
The regulator chose to investigate 21 providers and found that only three did not break any laws. The remaining 18 were in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act for providing illegal wagering on the tournament and/or providing access to casino-style online gaming which is illegal in Australia. Following the investigation, three of the 18 providers withdrew from the Australian market. The remaining 15 were blocked by local internet service providers (ISPs).
Licensed Bookmakers Also a Problem
The ACMA has also carried out several investigations into licensed bookmakers in the local market. The most recent investigation revealed that Ladbrokes, Neds, bet365, and Sportsbet breached online gambling regulations relating to in-play betting.
According to the ACMA announcement, Ladbrokes and Neds (owned by Entain), bet365 and Sportsbet all allowed in-play betting through the use of ‘Fast/Quick Codes’ on sporting events. These codes are provided to customers through a betting website or app to build an in-play wager. The code is then quoted by the customer when they place the wager over the phone.
This is in breach of gambling regulations and while no regulatory action was required, the companies were warned about their requirement to remain compliant of local regulations.
Based in London, Natasha is a former sports journalist with experience working for some of the biggest athletes & brands in the world of sports and iGaming.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has recently added Jackpoty to its growing list of blocked websites. This move comes as part of the ACMA’s ongoing efforts to crack down on illegal online gambling activities in the country.
Jackpoty is just one of the latest websites to be targeted by the ACMA, which has been actively monitoring and blocking illegal gambling sites since the introduction of the Interactive Gambling Act in 2001. The Act prohibits the provision of online gambling services to Australians without a valid license, making it illegal for operators to offer their services to Australian residents.
The ACMA’s decision to block Jackpoty is a clear message to other illegal gambling operators that they will not be tolerated in Australia. By blocking access to these sites, the ACMA is helping to protect Australian consumers from potential harm and ensuring that they are not exposed to unregulated and potentially unsafe gambling practices.
In addition to blocking websites like Jackpoty, the ACMA also works closely with other regulatory bodies and law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute illegal gambling operators. This multi-faceted approach helps to ensure that illegal gambling activities are effectively deterred and that consumers are protected from potential harm.
It is important for Australian consumers to be aware of the risks associated with illegal online gambling and to only use licensed and regulated operators. By avoiding illegal gambling sites and only using reputable and licensed operators, consumers can help to protect themselves from potential harm and ensure that they are engaging in safe and responsible gambling practices.
Overall, the ACMA’s decision to block Jackpoty and other illegal gambling websites is a positive step towards creating a safer online gambling environment for Australian consumers. By working together with other regulatory bodies and law enforcement agencies, the ACMA is sending a strong message that illegal gambling activities will not be tolerated in Australia.
