ACMA sanctions another blocking request against Curaçao-linked casino
Casino Bello becomes the latest Hollycorn N.V brand to be blocked at the behest of Australia’s communications body
The Australian Communcations and Media Authority (ACMA) has requested that Australian internet service providers (ISPs) block the offshore casino Casino Bello, in the regulator’s latest pushback against unlicensed firms.
The Casino Bello brand, which also allowed customers to deposit using crypto, is operated by Hollycorn N.V, which itself is licensed in Curaçao yet doesn’t hold a valid licence in Australia.
Casino Bello becomes the latest Hollycorn N.V brand to be blocked on ACMA’s request this year, with the regulator already having set its sights on the Caribbean-based operator on several occasions.
John Vegas and A Big Candy were both blocked by Australian ISPs back in June, followed by Richard Casino in July.
ACMA also requested the blocking of affiliate websites Pokiesman and Casino Australia Online in August.
Both platforms were found to be promoting offers for Richard Casino and A Big Candy, both of which had already been blocked by ISPs.
Fellow Curaçao -licensed casino operator DAMA N.V has also had casino platforms blocked by ISPs in recent months following ACMA requests.
Promoting unlicensed casinos and other gambling services are grounds for a website ban per ACMA regulations.
Since ACMA made its first blocking request in November 2019, the body has overseen the obstruction of 1,033 illegal casinos and affiliate sites.
More than 220 unlicensed services have pulled out of the Australian market since the country’s illegal offshore gambling rules came into effect in 2017.
An ACMA statement read: “Website blocking is one of a range of enforcement options to protect Australians against illegal online gambling.
“The ACMA is reminding consumers that even if a service looks legitimate, it’s unlikely to have important customer protections.”