The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is intensifying its actions against offshore gambling operators, stepping up efforts to safeguard Australian consumers from illegal online gambling activities. With this renewed focus, the organisation seeks to protect users from financial risks and inadequate consumer safeguards. The agency’s enforcement measures have driven more than 220 unlicensed operators out of the Australian market, further solidifying its regulatory oversight of online gambling.
Recent actions have seen the ACMA issuing formal warnings and increasing enforcement measures against unlicensed operators targeting Australian players. This crackdown reflects growing concerns over the unregulated nature of such platforms, which often sidestep local gambling laws and put players at financial risk.
One of the strategies these offshore operators employ to attract users is through lucrative promotions like new no deposit bonuses, which lure players with the promise of risk-free gaming. However, these enticing offers often come with little oversight, leaving players vulnerable to unfair practices. As regulatory scrutiny increases, the ACMA aims to protect consumers by ensuring that only licensed operators adhere to Australia’s stringent gambling standards, highlighting the need for responsible play and transparency within the industry.
Remain Cautious
The ACMA has consistently urged the public to be cautious when dealing with unlicensed gambling platforms, which are becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish from legitimate services. While many of these sites may seem trustworthy, they often fail to meet essential consumer protection standards, putting users at risk of losing their funds and exposing their personal information to potential hackers. To help mitigate these risks, the ACMA has created a public registry of licensed gambling services for easy verification. Users are encouraged to consult this list to ensure the platform they are engaging with is an authorized operator.
In August 2023, the ACMA also launched BetStop, a national self-exclusion register aimed at strengthening its regulatory framework. This tool allows individuals to block themselves from all Australian gambling services. Supported by both federal and state governments, BetStop had already seen 40,000 registrations by late 2023. To further enhance the system, Richard Eccles was appointed in October to oversee BetStop’s first statutory review.
Additional Warnings Issued
The ACMA’s investigations revealed serious violations by two Curaçao-based companies, Dama N.V. and Luster N.V., which operated unlicensed gambling platforms targeting Australian users. These companies were officially warned for breaching the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 by offering prohibited gambling services.
Dama N.V. was found to be behind several unauthorized platforms, including SpinsUP, Rebellion Casino, MoonWin, Lucky Friends, Golden Star Casino, and N1 Bet. These sites provided casino games and betting options to Australians without the required licenses. Luster N.V. also came under fire for its Eddy Vegas platform, which offered casino-style games of chance in breach of regulatory guidelines.
The ACMA’s findings showed that both companies had deliberately ensured their platforms were accessible to Australian users, despite lacking the appropriate licenses. This action violated subsection 15(2A) of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001, which mandates full compliance for offering interactive gambling services.
On-going Gambling Advertising Debate
The debate over gambling advertising in Australia is ongoing as the government considers potential new regulations. In June 2023, the Murphy Report proposed a series of reforms to the gambling industry, one of which included a complete ban on gambling advertisements across TV and radio.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has stated that no final decision has been made regarding this issue, rejecting claims that the government is moving forward with an immediate ban on online gambling ads. While Albanese agrees that the connection between gambling and sport should be addressed, he doesn’t believe a full advertising ban is the solution.
At the state level, New South Wales (NSW) has taken significant steps to reduce gambling advertising, with the state government banning ads on public transport, including trains, buses, and taxis, as well as stations and terminals. This ban will be implemented over the next year to allow necessary adjustments.
This is part of a broader strategy by the NSW government to combat gambling harm. Recent measures include reducing gaming machine entitlements, limiting cash input, and conducting a trial of cashless gaming. The government has also pledged substantial funding to research and provide support services for gambling harm.
What’s Next
The ACMA shows no signs of slowing down in its efforts to combat illegal gambling. 2023 Murphy Report proposed changes to the Interactive Gambling Act 2001, including a phased ban on online gambling advertisements. However, the implementation of these reforms has been delayed until at least 2025, largely due to resistance from media and sports industries that depend on gambling ad revenue.
As these discussions progress, the ACMA remains committed to enforcement. The ACMA encourages consumers to utilize its resources to verify licensed operators while stressing the importance of vigilance to protect both their finances and personal information.
