The Land Down Under has taken action against an additional five illicit internet wagering platforms. This increases the cumulative count of sites prohibited by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) to a staggering 835 since they commenced their crackdown on these dubious enterprises.
The most recent platforms to face prohibition are Viperspin, Just Casino, Betandplay, Play Fina, and Comic Play Casino. These sites were deemed to be in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act of 2001, which seeks to safeguard Australians from the risks of unregulated internet betting.
The ACMA has been vigorously pursuing unlawful offshore gambling providers, and their endeavors are yielding results. Since 2017, when updated regulations took effect, 215 illicit gambling entities have retreated from the Australian market.
Website blocking is merely one tactic employed by the ACMA to ensure the safety of Australians. They can also pursue measures against businesses that promote illegal online gambling services within Australia.
This recent enforcement action coincides with a surge of developments in the Australian gambling arena. Stake.com, a prominent entity in the online wagering realm, is presently engaged in a legal dispute with the Australian government. Concurrently, the government has introduced BetStop, a self-exclusion registry intended to assist individuals grappling with gambling dependence. Additionally, in a significant case, Crown Resorts was recently handed a substantial $450 million penalty for infringing anti-money laundering statutes.
With the state of Victoria also intending to enact more stringent gambling regulations by 2024, it is evident that Australia is adopting a firm stance against unlawful and irresponsible gambling practices.