The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has blocked nine more offshore gambling websites, which were in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.

ACMA said that since it made its first request in 2019, a total of 642 illegal websites have been blocked. In addition, 180 illegal services have pulled out of the market since it began enforcing new rules in 2017.

ACMA also warned consumers that even if the service appears to be legitimate, it’s unlikely to have consumer protections and Australians risk losing money.?

Australia introduced a ban on offshore online gambling following a review by former New South Wales Premier Barry O’Farrell in 2016. The review resulted in amendments to the Interactive Gambling Act, which stipulate an operator must be licensed in the country.

It also banned in-play betting in most sports.?

Greater powers for ACMA

ACMA was also given greater powers to block those offering services to Australians.

Since the introduction of the amended act, ACMA has been active in blocking offshore sites.? The authority has also gone after local media for breaching rules on advertising gambling services.

ACMA said it was disappointed by breaches in gambling ad regulations by two of the country’s largest television networks. The?regulator said?Seven Network and Nine Network contravened rules by showing betting promotions during sporting events.

ACMA said in July and August 2021, Seven aired 49 betting promotions during its Olympic coverage in five major Australian cities. It also made ads available on its live stream of the Olympics.

2023 – A calendar of events

The SiGMA Group prides itself on its broad horizons, drawing on some of the most vibrant, entrepreneurial and fast-growing industries in the global economy.

The Group has announced that is will hold six world class, bi-monthly summits next year – with events taking place across 5 continents:?Nairobi,?Dubai,?Sao Paulo,?Manila,?Limassol, and?Malta.

Coming up, SiGMA Group will launch their inaugural event in Africa, with?Nairobi 2023?set to take place next January.