The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has announced that it plans to start blocking igaming affiliate websites that promote online gambling services or drive traffic to gambling operators. The authority has also confirmed that it has requested that local internet service providers (ISPs) block gambling affiliate websites with immediate effect.
According to the ACMA media release issued yesterday, the websites it has identified for blocking include:
- Aussie Casino Hex
- Australia OK Casinos
- Aussie Online Pokies
- Pokies
- Australian Casino Club
- Australian Gambling
- True Blue Casinos
The ACMA has informed ISPs to be on the lookout for similar affiliate websites that often appear online as gambling review sites.
Speaking of the latest efforts to limit the reach of illegal online gambling providers, ACMA Authority Member Fiona Cameron said:
“These marketing sites can push you to illegal gambling services that do not have the protections that go with licensed and regulated services. We often get complaints from consumers that winnings are not honoured and that incentives and pressure tactics target problem gamblers.”
Cameron went on to add:
“ACMA has information available to help you and is actively pursuing illegal gambling sites and their affiliates to get them out of Australia.”
According to Australian law, it’s illegal to provide some online gambling services to Australian residents. This includes online casino games such as slots, poker, roulette, and blackjack as under Australian law these types of games are considered games of chance.
Under the terms of Australia’s 2001 Interactive Gambling Act, online sports betting in Australia is specifically not prohibited in the country as long as the provider holds an Australian licence.
Since the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 was expanded in 2017, the ACMA has actively sought out illegal gambling providers operating in Australia. In that time, 279 websites have been blocked with 144 operators leaving the market entirely as a result of the ACMA’s actions.
The authority has also managed to cut traffic to the country’s top ten gambling websites by 95%.
While the ACMA has previously targeted illegal operators and online casinos and will continue to do so, the authority will primarily target affiliate gambling websites for 2021-22.
Gambling industry journalist with a background in online poker and trading. Covering the regulated U.S Sports industry and the exciting world of online poker.