ACMA watchdog expands blocking remit to iGaming affiliate advertising sites

In Australia and the nation’s media and communications watchdog has announced that it has stepped up its fight against iGaming sites that may be attempting to offer their services to local punters without a license.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) regulator used an official press release to detail that this effort has seen it ask domestic Internet service providers to block access to seven affiliate advertising domains. The organization explained that this first-of-its-kind action was taken as such enterprises often present themselves as independent reviewers of gambling services in order to offer surreptitious links to unlicensed online casino and sportsbetting enterprises.

Suspect septuplet:

The ACMA revealed that the mistrusted affiliate marketing domains are promoted under the Australia OK Casinos, Pokies, Aussie Online Pokies, Aussie Casino Hex, Australian Casino Club, True Blue Casinos and Australian Gambling brands but are to now be made unavailable to anyone based in mainland Australia or any of its territories. The watchdog declared that this action was ‘a priority’ as these services ‘provide direct links to illegal gambling services’ while often ‘receiving a commission for providing them with web traffic.’

Continuing caution:

Fiona Cameron from the ACMA used the press release to describe the move against affiliate sites as ‘the next step in disrupting the major illegal operators and minimizing harm to Australian consumers.’ The former Chief Operating Officer for Screen Australia moreover proclaimed that some 279 illicit iGaming domains have been blocked since the watchdog’s duties were significantly expanded in 2017 and that these proscribed operations often offer aficionados the chance to ‘play slots, roulette or poker games for money.’

Read a statement from Cameron…

“These marketing sites can push you to illegal gambling services that do not have the protections that go with licensed and regulated services. We often get complaints from consumers that winnings are not honored and that incentives and pressure tactics target problem gamblers.”

Supplementary support:

The ACMA additionally pronounced that its continuing enforcement actions have led to the top-ten websites on its list of blocked gambling domains experiencing a 95% reduction in web traffic with ‘144 services departing Australia altogether.’ It subsequently finished by confirming that a full list of its checked iGaming sites as well as ‘more information about online gambling’ and tips ‘on how to protect yourself from illegal gambling operators’ are available by visiting ACMA.gov.au.

Cameron’s statement read…

“The ACMA has information available to help you and is actively pursuing illegal gambling sites and their affiliates to get them out of Australia.”