The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has mandated the blocking of three unregulated overseas gambling websites and taken action against a site that permitted users to wager using “skins” from video games.
The ACMA stated in its most recent blocking order that Vave, Highway Casino, and Online Casinos Australia had broken the Interactive Gambling Act of 2001.
As a consequence, the ACMA has requested Australian internet service providers to block access to these websites.
Since the ACMA first made the request in November 2019, 747 illicit websites have been blocked, while over 200 illegal services have withdrawn from Australia since the ACMA began enforcing new illicit offshore gambling regulations in 2017.
Meanwhile, the ACMA has issued a formal warning to Feral Holdings Limited after it determined that the operator had been illegally running its CS:GO Roll website in Australia.
The ACMA’s investigation found that CS:GO Roll offered casino-like online games that are illegal under the Interactive Gambling Act of 2001 if they are played for money or anything of worth.
Players could deposit “skins” from the video game Counter-Strike: Global Offensive in exchange for virtual currency that could be used in casino-like games.
Rewards are provided in the form of virtual items, which can be exchanged for actual currency on external platforms.
Feral Holdings’ CS:GO Roll website has been taken offline in Australia following a notice from the authorities.
“Digital gambling games for money or any item of worth, including Australian dollars, digital currency, or online gaming skins, are prohibited in Australia,” stated ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin.
“Skin gambling services are particularly concerning because they attract young individuals and can transform players into bettors.”
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