The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has issued its first formal warning to a supplier, after it found Proxous Advanced Solutions breached laws by providing gaming software to 13 illegal online casinos.
An investigation by ACMA found that by sublicensing Realtime Gaming (RTG)-branded software products used by the casinos, Proxous was knowingly involved in the provision of prohibited interactive gambling services to Australians, thus placing it in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
The illegal casino brands deemed to have been operating illegally included 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 relied on RTG-branded software offered by Proxous to deliver online casino services and were all previously found by ACMA to have been illegally offering gambling in Australia. ACMA also ordered blocking orders against each of the brands.
The formal warning marks the first time that ACMA has taken action against a business for its involvement in supplying software to illegal gambling operators.
“Since the ACMA started enforcing new illegal offshore gambling rules in 2017, more than 170 of these services have pulled out of the Australian market,” ACMA said. “Consumers should be aware that even if an online gambling service looks legitimate, it is unlikely to have important customer protections required of licensed services.”
The warning comes after ACMA last month also requested internet service providers in the country to block access to another 11 offshore gambling websites.
ACMA found Pokie Island, Rich Palms, Lucky Tiger Casino, Megaslot, Bitkingz, Parimatchwin, Casino Rocket, Montecryptos, Cabarino, Robin Roo and Jackpot Jill VIP were all operating in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
Also last month, ACMA has set out a number of rules for the country’s new self-exclusion register for online and phone gambling and revealed it will be called ‘BetStop’.
BetStop will allow people to self-exclude from all Australian licensed online and phone wagering services, from three months to permanent exclusion.
Once a player is registered with BetStop, licensed wagering providers will be required to close the individual’s betting accounts and block them from placing a bet, opening a new account and not send any marketing messages.
Wagering providers in the country will also be required to promote BetStop through their website, mobile apps and marketing.
