According to information released by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), sights have been set on affiliate advertising websites that promote offshore gambling operators. The watchdog said that efforts are being boosted to combat what it terms “illegal” online gambling by blocking websites that promote the casinos or drive traffic towards them. At least seven such sites have been named and shamed by ACMA.
“These marketing sites can push you to illegal gambling services that do not have the protections that go with licensed and regulated services,” said ACMA Authority Member Fiona Cameron.
“We often get complaints from consumers that winnings are not honored and that incentives and pressure tactics target problem gamblers.”
ACMA has increased its efforts to close loopholes, combat problem gambling and hunt down illegal online casino sites ever since the country’s Interactive Gambling Act was updated in 2017. Since then, the group has blocked close to 300 sites that offer slots, poker and other casino games that are not mandated by Australia’s gambling laws. Of those, 144 of those have since left the Australian gambling industry and no longer serve local players.
Cameron made no excuses for the watchdog’s latest mission to go after affiliate advertising websites. “ACMA has information available to help you and is actively pursuing illegal gambling sites and their affiliates to get them out of Australia,” she said.