Interactive Gambling Act Breached by 18 Offshore Services During Women's World Cup

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The results of a crackdown on illicit online gambling services operating around the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup were made public today by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). 200 offshore services were examined both before and during the event, according to the report released today. Of those services, 21 were under investigation because it seemed like they were aimed specifically at Australians. Consequently, it was discovered that eighteen services were functioning in violation of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. After being informed of the ACMA's conclusions, three of those services left the Australian market, and internet service providers blocked the websites of the other fifteen services at the ACMA's request. The sites were unlicensed to offer wagering services in Australia, according to ACMA authority member and online gambling lead Carolyn Lidgerwood. In certain cases, the sites also offered interactive gambling services, like online casinos, slots, and online in-play betting, all of which are prohibited in Australia.

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“Illegal gambling operations often take advantage of high-profile sporting events to push their services onto fans.

“These sites also offer none of the consumer protections that apply to licensed wagering services in Australia. Using these sites is more than a gamble as you have no rights and even if you win, you may never see the money,” Ms Lidgerwood said.

Since 2019, the ACMA has been asking internet service providers to block gambling websites found to be operating in breach of Australian interactive gambling laws. Over that time, more than 900 illegal gambling and affiliate websites have been blocked.

More than 220 illegal services have also pulled out of the Australian market since the ACMA started enforcing illegal offshore gambling rules.

Minimising gambling harm is a current ACMA compliance priority and Australians can check on the ACMA’s online register to see if a wagering service is licensed to operate in Australia.

More information about online gambling is available on the ACMA’s website, including information on how to protect yourself from illegal gambling operators and instructions on how to make a complaint about an illegal site.

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