Australia ISP Blocks (Gambling)

Australia battles to keep its internet free of online gambling sites without the correct licensing, while also continuing to ban online casinos. (Photo by Srikant Sahoo on Unsplash)

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) continues its battle to ban illegal offshore gambling sites from search engines and ISPs accessed by its citizens.

Once again, the authority has made a request to all Australian internet service providers (ISPs) to block three more websites. Website blocking is one of several measures the ACMA uses to remove Australian citizens’ freedom of choice to gamble at online casinos and crack down on ‘illegal casinos’ (this means unlicensed casinos).

Vave Casino and Sports, Highway Casino, and Online Casinos Australia are the latest brand names on the hit list. They join numerous other online casinos targeting the Aussie market.

Not only are these sites attempting to hook Aussie players to sign up, but any interactive gambling operation that involves real money casino gaming is strictly out of bounds because Australia does not have a licensing authority that certifies online casinos. Only online sports betting is permitted, and only sites with ACMA approval will avoid potentially hitting the ISP blacklist.

One of the issues with this tactic is that a growing number of people feel it is unwise not to regulate online casino gaming. Right now, with no licensing or regulations in place, Australia has one of the world’s most prevalent online casino black markets per capita.

The notion is, that if people want to play online pokies or table games, they will always find a way, and the only way at this time is via overseas website, which the government labels as illegal – effectively black market.

Australia’s Mission to Blacklist Overseas Online Sports Books and Casinos

The latest three online gambling sites to be hit with an ISP ban are effectively breaching the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. On the one hand, this is a positive move because the government has an active team in place preventing its citizens from gambling at websites that do not fall under the protection of the Australian consumer protection act.

At least, this is a positive for fans of sports betting as placing bets online is legal. However, its bad news for casino players who simply want to take part in leisurely casino gaming entertainment online.

Currently, there are 747 illegal gambling and affiliate websites blocked in Australia. The first request to ISPs for website blocking was made by the ACMA in November 2019, and the list of blocked continues to grow. Since 2017, when the ACMA began applying tougher rules against illegal offshore gambling, and over 200 so called illicit gambling services have willingly exited the Australian market.

The noticeable decrease in unregulated operators signifies the positive effect of the ACMA’s rigorous enforcement of gambling laws. With the latest advancements, the ACMA underlines the necessity of public awareness about the risks of using illegal gambling services.

That said, the country has also created a new market for VPN online casinos. These are online casinos that may be on the ACMA ISP blacklist, but still accept Australian players connecting via VPNs where ISPs have no power to block access.

VPN Online Casinos
(All Accept AUD or Crypto)

Snatch Casino Online
Wild Tokyo Casino Online
AllReels Casino Online
Stelario Casino Online
Winstoria Casino Online
iWild Casino Online
IceBet Casino Online
DozenSpins Casino Online

Warning Against Illegitimate Gambling Operators

The Authority warns that despite some illegal operators trying to seem legitimate, they frequently lack essential customer protections. As a result, Australians using such services could face financial losses and are advised to be careful. To help people identify licensed wagering services in Australia, the ACMA urges citizens to refer to its register.

ACMA’s Resource for Authorized Operators – Online Casinos Targeted

The ACMA’s register offers a detailed list of approved operators, assuring customers can confidently interact with legal and regulated gambling platforms. Through its cooperation with ISPs and constant surveillance of illegal activities, the ACMA aims to establish a safer online environment for Australians wanting to engage in legal gambling activities.

Anti-Casino? In March, the ACMA released a Social Casinos report, which detailed consumer behaviour and industry trends for this expanding market. The document reveals that Australia was among the top five markets in terms of consumer spending in the first half of 2022.

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