Cloudbet and Las Atlantis among latest sites blocked by ACMA

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has recently issued a new series of blocking orders targeting illegal gambling websites, including the prominent crypto-betting platform Cloudbet.

Cloudbet, alongside Las Atlantis, was specifically identified by the ACMA, prompting a request for Australian internet service providers (ISPs) to restrict access to these sites. This decisive action underscores the ACMA’s mandate to uphold the integrity of the gambling landscape in Australia.

According to ACMA regulations, these websites are in violation of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001, which governs online gambling operations within Australia. The implications of this ruling are significant, as the ACMA emphasizes compliance to ensure fair practices and consumer protection in the gambling sector.

Since initiating its blocking requests in November 2019, the ACMA has successfully enforced the restriction of 619 illegal gambling sites and their affiliates in Australia. Furthermore, more than 180 illegal services have exited the Australian market since the introduction of stricter offshore gambling regulations in 2017. These measures underline the ACMA’s commitment to safeguarding Australian gamblers from unregulated and potentially harmful gambling experiences.

The recent wave of blocking orders was implemented following the ACMA’s identification of several other non-compliant platforms. The list of flagged brands includes Spin Oasis, Fab Spins, RB Carnival, The GoGo Room, Velvet Spin, Zenith Slots, Slots of Wins, Latinbet24, Hell Spin, Sky Crown, Blue Leo, Wolf Winner, Bizzo Casino, Wabo88, and Ozbet88. Each of these sites has failed to secure the necessary licenses and approvals to operate legally within the Australian market.

In related news from the Australian gambling industry, land-based operator Star Entertainment has faced significant repercussions, with its New South Wales casino license being suspended. Moreover, the operator has been fined AUS$100 million (approximately £55.8 million, €64.2 million, or US$63.1 million) due to serious compliance failures identified in the Australian state.

Last month, following a comprehensive investigation led by Adam Bell SC, Star was flagged as unsuitable to retain its casino license in New South Wales. The report revealed a troubling pattern of anti-money laundering violations and failures in social responsibility oversight at Star Sydney, extending back several years. Among the most concerning allegations were deceptive practices aimed at bypassing Chinese capital flight laws, involving the miscategorization of gambling expenditures as hotel expenses on China Union Pay (CUP) cards. There were also accusations of misleading financial institutions regarding these transactions and permitting an entity with suspected connections to organized crime to operate within its casino’s cage.

This series of regulatory actions exemplifies the ongoing efforts by Australian authorities to curb illegal online gambling and reinforce responsible gaming practices in the sector. The ACMA’s proactive measures and the scrutiny faced by prominent operators like Star Entertainment serve as critical reminders of the importance of compliance in maintaining the integrity of the gambling industry.