The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has issued its initial blocking directives against foreign lottery websites, following its discovery that two websites were operating unlawfully in Australia.
The ACMA has issued its first blocking orders against overseas lottery websites, as they were operating illegally in Australia. The ACMA’s investigation found that We Love Lotto and Red Fox Lotto were both providing major international online lotteries and were not authorized in Australia.
The ACMA stated that this placed the two operators in violation of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 and has requested Australian internet service providers (ISPs) to restrict access to the websites.
“We Love Lotto and Red Fox Lotto are both operating unlawfully in Australia, which means players lack consumer protection,” remarked Authority member Fiona Cameron.
“Blocking illicit foreign websites safeguards Australians from potentially deceitful operators, where players have minimal or no recourse if issues arise. Lottery services licensed and operating legally in Australia possess essential consumer protections that players anticipate.”
The ACMA commenced issuing blocking requests in November 2019 and has blocked over 325 websites that are alleged to be operating illegally in Australia.
These are the first blocking orders against lottery websites.
Throughout August, the organization also issued its initial requests to block websites that promote affiliate gambling advertising.
The organization also disclosed that during its 2020-21 fiscal year, it effectively blocked access to 55 websites. This action led to a decrease of at least 90% in Australian traffic to most of these websites.
“We are highly satisfied with the outcomes, which show that the steps we are taking to combat unlawful online gambling in Australia are producing positive results,” Cameron stated.
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