The Australian Media and Communications Authority (ACMA) maintains its campaign against illicit international gambling platforms, expanding its blacklist.
Newly prohibited sites include platforms such as Lucky7even, 50 Crowns, and Zota Bet. Since initiating these blocks in November 2019, the ACMA has restricted access to over 900 gambling and affiliate marketing websites. They have also withdrawn the licenses of 221 unlawful services during this period.
The blacklisted websites generally focus on Australian users with illicit gambling choices, including online casinos, slot machines, and sports wagering. Unlicensed platforms or those providing unregulated services are also subject to targeting.
This development coincides with a volatile period for the Australian gambling sector, with industry leader bet365 also facing scrutiny from AUSTRAC for potential breaches of anti-money laundering regulations.
The Land Down Under is taking a hard line against companies flouting financial crime laws. AUSTRAC, the country’s financial watchdog, levied penalties on numerous businesses for not adhering to anti-money laundering and terrorism financing rules. The agency’s director stressed the susceptibility of companies to illicit activities when adequate protections are absent.
Not even a small-town pub escaped scrutiny. The Royal Hotel in Wallarah, New South Wales, faced sanctions for breaching gaming machine regulations.
In the business sphere, Tabcorp’s Managing Director and CEO, Adam Rytenskild, resigned amidst claims of unsuitable workplace remarks. Although he refuted any memory of the purported language, the gravity of the accusations led to his exit, underscoring the significance of behavior appropriate for executive positions.
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