The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has formally cautioned a vendor for supplying gambling software to thirteen illicit online gambling sites, in breach of the law.
The ACMA’s inquiry discovered that Proxous Advanced Solutions deliberately took part in supplying prohibited interactive gambling services to Australians by sub-licensing Realtime Gaming (RTG) branded software products, which were used by the casinos, in contravention of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
The casino brands identified as operating unlawfully include Fair Go Casino, Two Up Casino, Free Spin, BoVegas, Uptown Pokies, Uptown Aces, Red Dog Casino, Slots Empire, Cherry Gold Casino, Play Croco, Aussie Play, Ozwin Casino, and Reels Of Joy.
Each casino depended on RTG branded software provided by Proxous to offer online casino services, and the ACMA had previously determined that these casinos were all operating unlawfully in Australia. The ACMA has also issued blocking orders for each brand.
This formal warning marks the first time the ACMA has taken action against a company for its involvement in supplying software to illegal gambling operators.
As the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) enforced new rules against unauthorized offshore betting in 2017, more than 170 such services have ceased operations in the Australian marketplace. The ACMA has declared that “consumers should be aware that even if an online gambling service appears authentic, it is likely to lack the crucial consumer protection measures that are mandated for licensed services.”
This caution comes after the ACMA recently requested internet providers in the nation to block access to 11 additional offshore gambling websites.
The ACMA determined that Pokie Island, Rich Palms, Lucky Tiger Casino, Megaslot, Bitkingz, Parimatchwin, Casino Rocket, Montecryptos, Cabarino, Robin Roo, and Jackpot Jill VIP were all in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act of 2001.
Also recently, the ACMA established a set of guidelines for the nation’s new online and phone gambling self-exclusion registry, which it has named “BetStop.”
BetStop will enable individuals to exclude themselves from all Australian licensed online and phone betting services for a minimum of three months and up to a lifetime.
Once a player registers with BetStop, licensed betting providers will be obligated to close the individual’s betting account, prevent them from placing wagers, opening new accounts, and stop sending any promotional information.
The nation’s betting providers will also be required to advertise BetStop on their websites, mobile applications, and marketing campaigns.
Sign up for the iGaming newsletter.