ACMA blocks illegal iGaming operators in Australia

In Australia, the regulator ACMA on February 13 blocked eight illegal iGaming operators.

Websites affected by the blocking

The following iGaming operators were subject to restrictions by ACMA:

Lucky Mate, Vegastars, Wombet, Cosmobet, Fortune Play, Fortunica, Rolletto, and Velobet.

Reasons for the website blocking

The regulator required Australian internet service providers to restrict access to the listed websites following investigations that found breaches of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.

According to ACMA, these services were offering online gambling without authorization to operate in Australia.

Blocking as an enforcement measure

Website blocking is used by ACMA as one of the tools to counter illegal online gambling and protect consumers.

Since the first blocking request in November 2019, the regulator has restricted access to 1,518 illegal gambling and affiliate websites.

In addition, more than 220 illegal services have withdrawn from the Australian market following stricter enforcement of online gambling rules since 2017.

Risks of using illegal services

ACMA notes that even if a website appears legitimate, such services typically do not provide consumer protections.

Players using illegal platforms risk losing their funds and do not have access to the protection mechanisms available with licensed operators.