The Australian Media and Communications Authority (ACMA) took action against illicit wagering platforms targeting Australian players during the FIFA Women’s World Cup hosted by Australia and New Zealand last summer. Leading up to and throughout the competition, the ACMA examined 200 overseas betting websites, discovering 18 in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
These platforms lacked authorization to provide gambling services within Australia, with some even offering forms of wagering entirely prohibited in the nation, such as internet-based casinos and slot machines. Following investigation, three of the websites willingly withdrew from the Australian market, while internet service providers received directives to restrict access to the remaining 15.
Carolyn Lidgerwood, an ACMA representative overseeing online gambling, emphasized that these unlawful operators frequently attempt to exploit the fervor surrounding major sporting spectacles like the World Cup. She cautioned that unlike licensed Australian gambling providers, these sites lack any consumer safeguards for Australians.
These online platforms are a source of trouble. Not only are they risky due to a lack of safeguards, but even if fortune smiles upon you, receiving your rewards is uncertain.
Authorities in Australia are taking a hard line against these dubious websites. A number of them, including Lucky7even and Zota Bet, have already been shut down, and this is just the beginning of their efforts.
