Australian Communications and Media Authority, (ACMA), has placed one of the most serious illegal gambling websites blocks in history. It requested that Australian internet service provider (ISP) Block Thepokies.net.
ACMA has noted that payments to the website can run to tens or millions of dollars. Similarweb data also shows that around 30,000 Australians visit the site each month.
A probe by the authorities revealed that the site operated online casinos, which were prohibited under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
“We have received more complaints about thepokies.net this year than any other illegal gambling website, and it is clearly doing a lot of harm to the Australian community,” said ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin.
“Complaints have ranged from people who have lost significant amounts of money through to the site refusing to honour deposits and winnings.
“By blocking access to sites like this we are sending a strong message that the ACMA can and will take action to stop illegal operators from targeting Australians.”
ACMA requested ISPs block the illegal gambling websites Azure Hand, Abo Casino and Betroom.
ACMA stated that 160 illegal businesses have left the Australian market after the ACMA started to enforce new offshore illegal gambling laws in 2017. The authority relies not only on website blocking but also uses targeted enforcement, industry engagement and education to stop illegal gambling.
O’Loughlin added: “If one of these sites decides to keep your money, and we know that happens quite regularly, there is nothing you can do about it.”
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