Australian ISPs to block four affiliate sites following ACMA request

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has requested that the country’s internet service providers (ISPs) block four affiliate websites directing users to unlicensed operators.

Casino Australia Online, Pokies.bet, Pokiesman and Smart Pokies were all deemed to be in breach of Australia’s Interactive Gambling Act 2001 by the regulator.  

The affiliate sites in question publish reviews of various online casino games and casinos, as well as promoting welcome offers to several online casinos which are not licensed in Australia.

Pokiesman promoted offers for both Richard Casino and Wanted Win, despite the Curaçao-licenced casinos being blocked at ACMA’s request in July.  

Pokies.bet posted content promoting Jackpoty in July, even though the DAMA NV brand was blocked by the regulator in June, while Casino Australia Online promoted A Big Candy casino, a Hollycorn NV brand reprimanded by the ACMA that same month.  

Promoting casinos or other gambling services which are either banned in Australia or do not hold the required licence to operate there are grounds for a website ban, according to ACMA rules. 

ACMA can also request website blocks for platforms that provide banned interactive gambling services to Australian customers, or those that offer unlicensed services to adults in the country.  

An ACMA statement read: “Since the ACMA made its first blocking request in November 2019, 1,026 illegal gambling and affiliate websites have been blocked.  

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

“The ACMA is reminding consumers that even if a service looks legitimate, it’s unlikely to have important consumer protections. This means our laws can’t help if something goes wrong, like if the service provider withholds winnings.”