Internet service providers in Australia have been directed to restrict access to an expanded list of questionable gambling websites. The ACMA, the governmental body responsible for regulating communications in Australia, asserts that these websites are in violation of the law due to their lack of proper licensing for operation within the country and their failure to offer any safeguards for consumers. In essence, should you engage in gambling on these platforms and encounter non-payment, you will be left without recourse.
This enforcement action represents the most recent step taken by the ACMA, which has been actively engaged in efforts to dismantle illicit gambling websites since 2017. A substantial number of sites, reaching into the hundreds, have already been rendered inaccessible, and it is anticipated that the blacklist will continue to expand in the times ahead.
Furthermore, the ACMA is issuing a cautionary message to Australian citizens, urging them to exercise prudence when selecting gambling websites, even those that may initially appear legitimate. They emphasize that a significant portion of these sites lack fundamental consumer protections, implying that financial losses are a potential risk should unforeseen issues arise.
The Land Down Under has experienced a worrisome increase in internet wagering, with more than one out of every ten Australians engaging in betting activities within the last half-year. This represents a rise to 11%, up from 8% recorded just a short while ago in the year 2020.