Australian Media Authority Cracks Down on Unlicensed Online Casinos

The Australian Media and Communications Authority (ACMA) recently issued cautions to multiple businesses for breaching gambling rules. These notices, although released last month, were just recently disclosed.

One organization, Mad Amusement, which runs the internet casino Golden Lion, was discovered to have provided casino amusements to Australians without the necessary authorization, a clear infringement of the 2001 Interactive Gambling Act (IGA). The inquiry also showed that Golden Lion had numerous marketing and accessibility elements specifically tailored for Australian patrons.

Likewise, Paloma Media, the supplier for the esports wagering platform Thunderpick, was also determined to be in violation of the IGA. For a duration, Thunderpick was reachable to Australian users despite lacking the license to function in the nation.

Dama and Friolion Limited, providers for the online casino Betibet, also got formal warnings from the ACMA. The examination found that Betibet was available to clients utilizing Australian internet services. It’s noteworthy that Betibet wasn’t the sole site these companies were cautioned about. Dama was also marked for permitting Greenspin, Slotman, and Jeetcity to operate in Australia without licenses, while Friolion was similarly cited for Greenspin and Slotman.

This enforcement action by the ACMA highlights the stringency of the IGA, which deems a website to possess Australian customer connections if “any or all” of its clientele are physically situated in Australia.

Online platforms offering users the opportunity to win cash prizes through games of luck or ability are classified as wagering platforms in Australia. To guarantee these platforms are above board and secure for users, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) maintains a register of authorized providers on its website. Every company on this register has undergone scrutiny and received a license from a respected regulatory organization such as the NSW Liquor & Gaming, the Northern Territory Racing Commission, the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation, or the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission.

It’s crucial to acknowledge that this framework is not flawless. Lately, several prominent players in the Australian gambling industry, including Ladbrokes, Neds, bet365, and Sportsbet, were discovered to be violating regulations concerning in-play wagering. This demonstrates that even with regulations in effect, users must remain vigilant and ensure they are utilizing a reputable service.