ACMA issues formal warnings to service providers of unlicensed online gambling sites

Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has issued formal warnings to two online operators for contravening section 64A subsection 15(2A) of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. 

The warning was given to Wanted Win and Richard Casino. It was noted that both online gambling platforms had been included on ACMA’s lists of blocked websites earlier in July, for either providing prohibited interactive gambling services and/or unlicensed regulated interactive gambling service to customers in Australia; or publishing ads for said prohibited unlicensed services. 

The service providers for Wanted Win were Dama N.V. and Strukin Ltd, while Libergos Ltd and Hollycorn were the service providers for Richard Casino. 

One example of ACMA’s action involving gambling advertising rules is the Kayo case, where ACMA issued a remedial direction for Hubbl, Kayo’s owner, to organise an external audit of its technical systems and processes, including measures implemented after the breaches. Failing to comply will have Hubbl facing penalties up to AU$626,000 (US$415,585.75) per day by the Federal Court. 

The ACMA also blocked illegal offshore gambling websites with the help of local Australian ISPs in several cases, and since its establishment, blocked up to 1,011 illegal gambling and affiliate websites. 

The sites blocked include Jogi Casino, Dundee Slots, Lucky Hunter, Lucky Wins, Lukki Casino, Spin Fever, Clubhouse Casino and Winport Casino. A Big Candy, Jackpoty and John Vegas Casino were included as well.