The Australian Media and Communications Authority (ACMA) is pursuing legal measures against a group of prominent poker providers within the nation. Rhys Edward Jones, Diverse Link Pty Ltd, and Brenton Lee Buttigieg stand accused of operating an illicit poker platform, thereby breaching the Interactive Gambling Act of 2001.
Jones purportedly furnished these services between March 2020 and March 2021, while Diverse Link faces allegations of doing so from March 2021 onward. Buttigieg is implicated in publicizing the endeavor and directing patrons to it.
The ACMA undertook an exhaustive inquiry into these forbidden online wagering services, which commenced operations under the moniker “PPPfish” before transitioning to “Shuffle Gaming” and subsequently “Redraw Poker.”
The ACMA asserts that, starting March 2, 2020, Jones and Diverse Link supplied a means for Australians to engage in poker for actual currency online.
Participants could enroll in poker associations via a mobile application and acquire chips through bank transfers or Bitcoin. These chips could then be placed into their club holdings and utilized to partake in poker matches. Victories could be converted back into cash or Bitcoin.
The ACMA underscores the substantial consequences for individuals engaged in such actions, with financial penalties potentially reaching AUD 1.7 million.
People found violating these regulations could incur financial penalties reaching $2 million, while corporations might face sanctions up to $10 million.
The organization tasked with upholding Australia’s prohibition on providing or advertising unlawful interactive gaming services refrained from additional remarks, referencing the active litigation.