(AsiaGameHub) – Australia‘s communications regulator has blocked a number of websites operating outside the nation’s licensed gambling market, which includes the creatively titled Mafia Casino.
A total of 19 online gambling and affiliate websites have been blocked by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), as authorities maintain a firm stance against unlicensed operators.
The newly blocked sites are: Bass Bet, BetWhale, CasinOK, Cleobetra, Diva Spin, FatPirate, Free Spinz, Gransino, JackBit, Legiano, Mafia Casino, Magius, Monster Win, NewLucky, Nonbetstop.com, Slotexo, Talismania, Tiki Casino and Vegas Hero.
The authority commented: “The ACMA is reminding consumers that even if a service appears legitimate, it probably lacks essential customer protections. Australians who use illegal gambling services are therefore at risk of losing their money.”
Preventing access to a vast number of websites presents a significant challenge for regulators, creating a ‘whack-a-mole’ situation where operators frequently change their branding to evade detection.
Concurrently, the ACMA has issued a formal warning to the sports betting company Chasebet. An investigation found the operator did not sufficiently promote Betstop – Australia’s national self-exclusion register – in three marketing emails and on its website.
The ACMA reported that Chasebet addressed the problem quickly once notified of the breach, explaining that a software error was to blame.
This update on the scale of Australia’s black market emerges as the country’s politicians debate proposed reforms to gambling advertising regulations.
The ACMA stated it has now blocked more than 1,640 illegal gambling websites, with an additional 230 ceasing operations in Australia since enhanced enforcement measures started in 2017.
The Labor government, under Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, has put forward plans to limit TV gambling ads to three per hour from 6am to 8.30pm. The proposal also includes a ban on ads during live sports broadcasts and during specified school drop-off and pick-up hours.
Furthermore, the government is evaluating a ‘triple lock’ for digitally distributed gambling content. This would mandate that social media platforms and websites require user logins, age verification for users over 18, and provide an option to opt out of gambling content.
However, these digital plans have been criticized as ‘unworkable’ by opposition MPs, who have raised doubts about the practicality of the triple lock. They point out that adults and children frequently share accounts on services like Spotify and YouTube.
Independent MP Kate Chaney stated to The Guardian: “The term ‘triple-lock’ implies a level of protection that is not realistic – since most families share streaming accounts, gambling ads will still be seen unless parents meticulously navigate each platform to find and enable the opt-out settings.”
A spokesperson for Communications Minister Anika Wells has verified that ‘specific definitions’ will be published to prevent loopholes before the new laws are implemented.
iGaming Expert analysis: Although gambling reform in Australia has been intensely debated since the 2023 Murphy Report, political disagreement risks weakening the legal market and strengthening illegal operators.
For the regulated sector to remain healthy, the Labor Government must find a balanced solution that enhances consumer protection while also supporting the growth of licensed businesses.
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