ACMA requests blocking of four illegal gambling sites in latest clampdown
Australian media regulator asks internet service providers to block access to Megabet Prize, Mega Medusa, TF2Royal and Casino Intense
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has requested the blocking of four more illegal online gambling sites by the country’s internet service providers.
The regulator has earmarked Megabet Prize, Mega Medusa, TF2Royal and Casino Intense for breaching the country’s Interactive Gambling Act 2001 by operating without a licence in the market.
Casino Intense is owned and operated by Belize-based firm Sterplay Holdings, which holds a licence in Curaçao, while TF2Royal is a skin betting site.
The ACMA has so far blocked 1,210 illegal gambling and affiliate websites since November 2019.
Since the regulator started enforcing new online gambling regulations in 2017, 220 illegal services have departed the Australian market.
An ACMA statement said: “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. This means Australians who use illegal gambling services risk losing their money.”
Last month, the ACMA requested the blocking of Crown Slots and Billy Billion, two illegal casinos operated by Curaçao-based firm Hollycorn NV.
The media regulator has previously ordered the blocking of several Hollycorn NV sites including John Vegas Casino, Richard Casino and Casino Bello.
In February, the ACMA ordered eight illegal gambling sites to be blocked by ISPs in another sweeping crackdown.
In March, the organisation found TV network Foxtel to have breached advertising regulations by airing an ad during an Australian Football League broadcast that omitted the necessary responsible gambling messaging.
Meanwhile, Australia’s federal election is scheduled to take place on 3 May 2025.
In the buildup to the election, Australia’s Green Party has included the establishment of a national gambling regulator as part of its manifesto.
Peter Dutton’s Coalition Party also pledged to introduce a ban on gambling adverts during live sports broadcasts.