The Australian Communications and Media Authority, popularly known as ACMA, declared that it will be taking measures to restrict illegal online gambling websites. ACMA called for ISPs (Internet service providers) to block several gambling websites and also start an investigation into affiliate marketing websites. 

ACMA appealed to the customers to be safe online and not trust websites just because they look legal and secure. Australian players have a high chance of losing their money to such illegal sites. Moreover, sites like Ninja Spin, acepokies, bitstarz.com and betchain.com are under the ACMA scanner. In 2019, ACMA filed its first request for banning an illegal website. Ever since then, 500+ websites are already blocked. 

Blocking Illegal Sites

ACMA says that blocking illegal websites and spreading awareness about this topic is significant for the players. Users should know about their safety before they access any gambling site.

Whenever there is an attempt to use a blocked online gambling website, users will get a message about its legal status in Australia. 

According to research by ACMA, there is a significant increase in online gambling among Australians. A study shows that there is approximately an 8% increase as compared to 2020. With the boost in this number, cases of fraud have also increased. 

To disrupt illegal offshore gambling, ACMA came up with a compliance priority policy for the year 2021-22. This policy focuses on affiliate marketing sites that promote illegal websites and also generate revenue from it. An investigation is ongoing about these marketing services to check if they are breaking advertising laws. 

List of Illegal Sites Blocked by ACMA:

• abalucky33.com
• abocasino.com
• acepokies.net
• allspinswin.com
• allspinswin248.com
• allspinswin263.com
• allspinswin278.com
• allspinswin293.com
• allspinswin308.com
• allspinswin514.com
• arlekincasino.com
• arlekincasino3.com
• alwaysvegas.eu
• arescasino.com
• Arescasino1.com
• arescasino2.com
• arescasino3.com
• arlekincasino1.com
• arlekincasino2.com
• audfairgocasino.com
• auonlinecasino.com
• auscasinos.com
• auslots.com
• au-slots.com
• aussiecasinoclub.org
• aussiecasinohex.com
• aussieonlinepokies.ch
• aussieonlinepokies.com
• aussieplayonline.com
• aussieplay-online.com
• aussiestarz.com
• australia-casino.co
• australia-casino.org
• australiagambling.net
• australiancasinoclub.com
• australiancasinosites.com
• australiangambling.ch
• australiangambling.lv
• australiaokcasinos.com
• australiaonlinepokies.com
• australiapokies.net
• axecasino.com
• azurehand.com
• bambet.com
• baocasino.com
• bc.game
• betchain.com
• betroom24.com
• bigredstag.com
• bitkingz.com
• bitstarz.com
• bitstarz28.com
• bitstarz49.com
• bitstarz50.com
• bitstarz51.com
• bitstarz52.com
• bitstarz55.com
• bitstarz56.com
• bizzocasino.com
• blackdiamond4u.com
• blackdiamondcasino.net
• Blackdiamondscasino.net
• blackdiamondslots.net
• black-diamondslots.net
• blueleo.com
• bohocasino1.com
• bondibet.com
• bondibet1.com
• bondibet2.com
• bondibetsvip.com
• bondibetvip.com
• bondibet-vip.com
• bonzaspins.com
• bonzaspins33.com
• bonzaspins221.com
• bonzaspins236.com
• bonzaspins251.com
• bonzaspins266.com
• bonzaspins281.com
• bonzaspins296.com
• bo-vegas.club
• bovegas.com
• bo-vegas.com
• bovegasvip.com
• box24casino.com
• box-24casino.com
• box24games.com
• box24slots.com
• box-24slots.com
• cabarino.com
• casinfortune1.com
• casino4u.io
• casinomoonsvip.com
• casinoaus.com
• casinobonus2.co
• casinochan.com
• casinochan1.com
• casinochan2.com
• casinochan3.com
• casinochan4.com
• casinodingo.com
• casinomoons.com
• casinonic.com
• casinonicplay1.com
• casinority.com
• casinorocket1.com
• casinorocket5.com
• casinorocket9.com
• casinorocket76.com
• casino-on-line.com
• casinoshortlist.org
• cherry-gold.club
• cherrygoldcasino.com
• cherrygoldclub.com
• cloudbet.com
• clubrbc.com
• cobracasino.com
• cometroom.com
• dazard.com
• dazard1.com
• desertnightscasino.com
• dingoo-casinoo.net
• dinkumpokies.com
• emucasino.com
• emu-casino.com
• enzocasino.com
• excitewin.com
• extravegas.com
• fabspins.com
• fairgo.casino
• fairgo.co
• fairgo4u.com
• fairgocasino.com
• fairgocasinoaud.com
• Fairgoforyou.com
• fairgofun.com
• fairgogames.com
• fairgojackpots.com
• fairgolive.com
• fairgonow.com
• fairgoonline.com
• fairgoplus.com
• fairgoslots.com
• fairgowins.com
• fastpay-casino.com
• fastpay-casino42.com
• fastpay-casino44.com
• fastpay-casino45.com
• fightclub5.com
• fight-clubcasino.com
• fortuneclock.com
• free-spin.club
• Freespin.com
• free-spin.vip
• freespinpro.com
• gambleonline.co
• gametrueblue.com
• getslotcasino2.com
• getslots.com
• gibsoncasino.com
• globaltrueblue.com
• go2blackdiamond.com
• go2box24.com
• go2fairgo.com
• go2redstag.com
• go2uptownpokies.com
• goldencrowncasino.com
• goldencrowncasino1.com
• goldencrowncasino2.com
• goldencrowncasino3.com
• goldenladycasino.com
• goldenpokies.com
• goldenpokies266.com
• goldenpokies33.com
• goldenpokies531.com
• goldenpokies535.com
• goldenpokies54.com
• goldenreels.com
• goldenreels1.com
• goldenreels2.com
• goldenstar-casino.com
• goldenstarplay1.com
• gomontecryptos.com
• gomontecryptos1.com
• gomontecryptos2.com
• grandfortunecasino.com
• grandrush.com
• grandrush.io
• grandrushpokies.com
• grandrushvip.com
• gr-rdrct.com
• gunsbet.co
• gunsbet.com
• gwcasino.com
• gwcasino280.com
• gwcasino295.com
• happyhugocasino.com
• hellspin.com
• hellspin1.com
• hellspin2.com
• hellspin3.com
• hellspins.com
• helpallspinswin.com
• helpbonzaspins.com
• helpgoldenpokies.com
• helppokiemate.com
• helppokiespins.com
• helppokiez.com
• horuscasino.com
• houseofpokies.com
• houseofpokies117.com
• houseofpokies279.com
• houseofpokies379.com
• ignition165.com
• ignitioncasino.eu
• ignitioncasino.lv
• ignitioncasino.net.lv
• ignitioncasino.org.lv
• ignitionpoker.eu
• ignitionpoker.net.lv
• ilucki.com
• iluckicasino.com
• jackpotjill.com
• jackpotjill.live
• jackpotjill.net
• jackpotjill.online
• jackpotjillvip.com
• jet.casino
• joefortune.com
• joefortune.com.lv
• joefortune.eu
• joefortune.eu.com
• Joefortune.lv
• joefortune.net
• joefortuneonlinepokies.com
• joefortuneonlinepokies.net
• joefortunepokies.com
• joefortunepokies.net
• johnniekashkings.com
• johnniekashkings.net
• jokaviproom.co
• jokaviproom.live
• jokaviproom.net
• jokaviproom.online
• joocasino.com
• joocasino24.com
• joocasinos2.com
• juicystakes.eu
• justrbc.com
• kahuna777.com
• kahunacasino.com
• kahunacasino.net
• kahunacasino777.com
• katsubet.com
• kimvegas.com
• kingbillycasino.com
• kingbillycasino12.com
• kingbillywin.com
• kingbillywin1.com
• kingbillywin2.com
• kingbillywin6.com
• kingjohnnie.com
• kingjohnnie.net
• kingschance.com
• koalaroyal.com
• koalasfairgo.com
• ladyhammercasino.com
• lasatlantis.com
• latinbet24.com
• legitgamblingsites.com
• letslucky.com
• letslucky77.com
• levelupcasino.com
• levelupcasino1.com
• levelupcasino3.com
• levelupcasino4.com
• liveragingbull.com
• lokicasino.com
• lokicasinoplay1.com
• luckydreams.com
• luckydreams1.com
• luckyelfcasino.com
• luckyredstag.com
• luckystar.io
• luckystar1.io
• luckystar2.io
• luckytigercasino.com
• luckytigerpromo.com
• megaslot.io
• muchovegascasino.com
• natiocasino.com
• natiocasino1.com
• natiocasino2.com
• natiocasino5.com
• natiocasino6.com
• nationalcasino.co
• nationalcasino.com
• neospin.com
• newblackdiamond.com
• newfairgo.com
• newplanet7.com
• newtrueblue.com
• newuptownpokies.com
• ninjaspins.com
• ninjaspins72.com
• nodepositfriend.com
• nordicasino.com
• oneplanet7.com
• onlinecasinoaustralian.com
• onlinekingschance.com
• onlinetrueblue.com
• oshi1.io
• ozbet88au.com
• ozwincasino.com
• ozwingames.com
• p71110.com
• p73210.com
• p73450.com
• p74320.com
• p75670.com
• p77650.com
• paradisoroom.com
• parimatchwin.com
• planet7app.com
• planet7go.com
• planet7live.com
• planet7now.com
• planet7online.com
• planet7oz.com
• playamo.com
• playamo27.com
• playamo28.com
• playamo29.com
• Playamo30.com
• Playamo31.com
• playamo32.com
• playamo33.com
• playamo34.com
• playamo35.com
• playamo36.com
• playamo38.com
• playblackdiamondcasino.com
• playcroco.casino
• playcroco.com
• play-croco.com
• playcrocoaussiecasino.com
• playfairgo.com
• playp7oz.com
• playragingbull.com
• playtrueblue.com
• pokieisland.com
• pokieisland531.com
• pokieisland713.com
• pokiemate.com
• pokiemate239.com
• pokiemate281.com
• pokiemate37.com
• pokiemate44.com
• pokiemate47.com
• pokieplace.com
• pokieplace2.com
• pokieplace3.com
• pokies.ch
• pokies.com
• pokiesinuptown.com
• pokieslab.com
• pokiesonlinecasino.com.au
• pokiesparlour.com
• pokiespins.com
• pokiespins33.com
• pokiespins44.com
• pokiespins83.com
• pokiespins265.com
• pokiesway.com
• Pokiesway1.com
• pokiesway2.com
• pokiesway3.com
• pokiesway4.com
• pokiesway5.com
• pokiez.com
• pokiez22.com
• pokiez272.com
• pokiez372.com
• pokizino.com
• pokiez322.com
• powbet.com
• queenspins.com
• queenspins2.com
• ragingbullcasino.com
• ragingbullmain.com
• ragingbullplay.com
• rbc101.com
• rbc111.com
• rbc123.com
• rbc178.com
• rbc188.com
• rbc234.com
• rbc555.com
• rbc567.com
• rbc717.com
• rbc818.com
• rbcarnival.com
• reddogcasino.com
• reddogcasinogames.com
• redfoxlotto.com
• red-stag-casino.com
• redstagcasino.eu
• redstaggames.com
• redstaglobby.com
• redstagpokies.com
• reelsofjoy.com
• reelsofjoy.net
• reelsofjoy.online
• reeltastic.com
• registeramo.com
• richcasino.com
• richcasino1.com
• richcasino2.com
• richcasino3.com
• richcasino4.com
• richcasinoclub.com
• richcasinogames.com
• richcasinovip.com
• richpalms.com
• richpalmspromo.com
• rippercasino.com
• robinroo.com
• rocketplay.com
• rocketplay1.com
• rocketplay2.com
• rocketplay3.com
• rocketplay4.com
• rocketplay5.com
• roocasino.com
• roocasino249.com
• roocasino279.com
• roocasino294.com
• roocasino309.com
• roocasino324.com
• roocasino327.com
• roocasino339.com
• roocasino354.com
• roocasino357.com
• roocasino369.com
• roocasino414.com
• roocasino425.com
• royalspinz.com
• skycrown.com
• slotsofwins.com
• slotsberlin.com
• slotsberlin1.com
• slotsberlin2.com
• slotsberlin3.com
• slotsberlin4.com
• slotsberlin5.com
• slotscapital.lv
• Slotsempire.com
• slotsempiregames.com
• slottica.com
• slottika10.com
• slotvibe.com
• slotvibe.com
• slotvibe21.com
• sol.casino
• spacelilly.com
• spartanslots.com
• spartan-slots.net
• spartansslots.net
• spartans-slots.net
• spinago.com
• spinago1.casino
• spinago1.com
• spinago3.casino
• spinago4.casino
• spinago5.casino
• spinbit.com
• spinoasis.com
• spinsamurai.com
• spinsamurai1.com
• spinsamurai2.com
• spinsamurai25.com
• spintropolis.com
• sportaza.com
• staycasino.com
• staycasino7.com
• staycasino.live
• syndicate.casino
• syndicatecasino.xyz
• tangierscasino.com
• tangierscasino1.com
• tangierscasinovip.com
• thebescasino.com
• thebescasino1.com
• thebescasino2.com
• thebescasinovip.com
• thegogoroom.com
• thepokies.net
• thepokies1.net
• thepokies10.net
• thepokies11.net
• thepokies12.net
• thepokies14.net
• thepokies15.net
• thepokies2.net
• thepokies3.net
• thepokies17.net
• thepokies24.net
• thepokies30.net
• thepokies31.net
• thepokies32.net
• thepokies33.net
• thepokies34.net
• thepokies35.net
• thepokies36.net
• thepokies37.net
• thepokies38.net
• thepokies39.net
• thepokies4.net
• thepokies40.net
• thepokies5.net
• thepokies6.net
• thepokies7.net
• thepokies8.net
• thepokies9.net
• timessquarecasino.com
• topaussiecasinos.com
• topbet.eu
• toptrueblue.com
• true131.com
• true143.com
• true178.com
• true188.com
• true234.com
• true3210.com
• true444.com
• true555.com
• true567.com
• true616.com
• true717.com
• true76780.com
• true818.com
• trueblue777.com
• trueblueau.com
• truebluecasino.com
• Truebluecasinoapp.com
• truebluecasinoau.com
• truebluecasinos.com.au
• twoup.club
• Twoupcasino.com
• twoupclub.com
• uptownaces.eu
• uptownpokiesau.com
• uptownpokiesaud.com
• uptownpokiesforyou.com
• uptownpokieshome.com
• uptownpokieslobby.com
• uptownpokiestube.com
• velvetspin.com
• viggoslots.com
• wabo88.com
• wagerbeat.com
• wagerbeat222.com
• wagerbeat237.com
• Wagerbeat252.com
• wagerbeat282.com
• wagerbeat297.com
• wagerbeat309.com
• wagerbeat312.com
• wagerbeat327.com
• wagerbeat342.com
• wagerbeat414.com
• welovelotto.com
• wildcardcity.com
• wildcardcity.info
• wildcardcity.live
• wildjoker.com
• wildjoker1.com
• wildjokercasino.com
• wildtornado.casino
• wildtornado12.casino
• wildtornado77.casino
• win7bitcasino.com
• winnerama.com
• winnerama1.com
• winningdays1.com
• winparadise.com
• winwardcasino.com
• winz.io
• wolfwinner.com
• woocasino.com
• woocasino1.com
• woocasino2.com
• woocasino3.com
• woocasino4.com
• wpokies.com
• Wpokies1.com
• wpokies2.com
• wpokies3.com
• wpokies4.com
• xbet.ag
• xpokies.com
• xpslots.com
• yoju.casino
• zebet.com
• zenithslots.com
• zeturf.com

Preventing Violation of Laws 

A lot of the websites that got banned in Australia were violating national laws. In Australia, only online sports betting is legal, not casino-type online gambling. Website blocking is one of the most effective methods that can protect users from illicit online gaming. Some websites do not even have permission to run in Australia. 

Recently, ACMA requested to block one of the most famous sites, thepokies.net. Every month, the total transaction on this website would cross tens of millions of dollars. With 30,000 Australian visitors every month, the gambling site was quite a big hit. But several players complained that the site was not paying them the money they won. They also complained that it was withholding their deposits. Casino-type online gambling is illegal in Australia, which allows only online sports betting. Casino games are available in physical form across pubs and clubs in Australia. 

However, an investigation revealed that it was running online casino games which is strictly against the law. ACMA chair also added that they received the maximum number of complaints about this site despite the brand being so popular. Blocking the websites sends out a clear message of how ACMA cares about the Australian community. Licensed services protect the user data but this is definitely not the case with illegal gambling websites. 

Creating Awareness 

While banning illegal websites is crucial, so is increasing awareness about this among users. There are several sites that target the Australian audience by using native flags or animals. ACMA has issued formal warnings and sought civil penalty orders against them. However, it is still difficult to go after websites that remain nameless and do not have any legal presence. Under the Telecommunications Act 1997, illegal websites will get blocked after the ACMA sends legal notice to the company. 

ACMA promotes a secure way of coexisting and using the internet. It should be a safe space for everyone and the presence of illegal websites is highly prohibited. Before issuing a corruption request, the organisation has to check and cross-verify countless things.

For instance, the services available on the site, public or national interest in the disruption, likely consequences, and the viewpoints of internet service providers are some factors that ACMA considers. After all these considerations, it is also vital to ascertain whether the disruption will be effective, responsible, and targeted as well. All of this should take place with the agreed terms and conditions with ISPs.

Before issuing the disruption request, ACMA provides the Internet service providers with a stoppage. This page will only be visible to those users who access the blocked website. Additionally, the landing page contains the contact number of ACMA, accurate reasons for disruption requests, and also any complaints or feedback.

Conclusion

Australians who try to access this website will see a message about the reasons for which the site remains blocked. Note that blocking a website is the last resort for ACMA. This decision usually comes after all the methods and techniques are exhausted and the problem is not resolved. Blocking websites is an effective tool for ACMA to prevent the privacy and integrity of the users.

After endless complaints about the huge loss of money, ACMA finally took noticeable steps to handle the situation. When it comes to online illegal gambling, the company may try to cheat you or simply keep all of your money. On top of that, there is nothing that you can do about it.

Blog Sources:

https://www.acma.gov.au/blocked-gambling-websites

About the Author: