Australia's communications regulator has ordered the blocking of two more illegal gambling sites, Casea and Crown96. The Australian Communications and Media Authority said investigations found both were operating in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. Internet service providers in the country carry out the blocks.
Since November 2019, when ACMA began using the blocking mechanism, access has been cut to 1,788 illegal gambling and affiliate sites. More than 230 unlicensed operators left the Australian market on their own after the regulator tightened the rules in 2017.
ACMA warns players that illegal services can look legitimate but do not carry the standard safeguards for funds. Players risk losing their money. The regulator advises checking an operator's licence in the official register before signing up.
Australia runs one of the strictest online gambling regimes. Most forms of online casino are banned for residents. Only sports betting and lotteries through licensed operators are allowed. Unlicensed sites aimed at Australian audiences face blocking whatever jurisdiction they are registered in.
