The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) announced that it has requested internet service providers (ISPs) in the country to block more illegal offshore gambling websites as part of its efforts "to protect Australians against illegal online gambling."

The authority noted that the websites, Wild Blaster and BetUS, were found to be in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. It also explained that website blocking is one of a range of enforcement options to protect residents against illegal gambling services. 

ACMA also noted that since it made its first blocking request in November 2019, 863 illegal gambling and affiliate websites have been blocked. A further 218 illegal services have also pulled out of the Australian market since the authority started enforcing new illegal offshore gambling rules in 2017.

“Australians who use illegal gambling services are not protected by Australian laws. This means our laws can’t help if something goes wrong, like if the service provider withholds winnings,” ACMA explained. 

A blocking request can be made if a service is providing prohibited interactive gambling services to customers in Australia (such as online casinos, online slot machines, and services that allow in-play online sports betting), providing an unlicensed regulated interactive gambling service to customers in Australia (such as online betting services that don’t have a valid Australian license) and publishing ads for prohibited interactive gambling services or unlicensed regulated interactive gambling services in Australia.

Earlier in September, ACMA urged Australian ISPs to block five websites. These websites included Viperspin, Just Casino, Betandplay, Play Fina, and Comic Play Casino for operating illegally in the country. 

https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2023/10/25/69351-australia-acma-requests-internet-providers-to-block-two-more-illegal-offshore-gambling-websites