How ACMA blocks unlicensed sites
The Australian Communications and Media Commission (ACMA) has the power to block access to unlicensed gambling sites that violate the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA). This mechanism is aimed at protecting players and reducing the activity of offshore operators offering prohibited services in Australia.
1. How ACMA identifies unlicensed sites
Monitor the Internet space for gambling offers prohibited by the IGA.
Analysis of complaints from users and organizations.
Cooperation with foreign regulators and financial institutions.
Check for compliance of operators with the official register of approved services.
2. Grounds for blocking
No licence issued by an Australian regulator.
Provision of prohibited types of gambling (online slots, board games for real money).
Violation of Responsible Gambling rules.
Use of unfair advertising or misleading users.
3. Locking process step by step
1. Violation identification - ACMA records the facts of illegal activity.
2. Evidence collection - screenshots, technical data, domain records.
3. Generate a notification for ISPs to block a resource.
4. Blocking implementation - providers use DNS blocking or IP blocking, restricting access to the site.
5. Publication in the registry of blocked sites on the official ACMA website.
4. Technical methods of blocking
DNS blocking - Replaces the domain address with a stub with a blocking notification.
IP blocking - block a specific IP address if the site does not change it often.
URL filtering - restricting access to certain pages of the site.
5. What happens after lockdown
The operator loses access to the Australian audience.
In case of serious violations, ACMA may transfer materials to AUSTRAC or law enforcement agencies.
With repeated attempts to bypass the locks, additional sanctions and international interaction with other regulators are possible.
6. Interlock efficiency
Since 2017, ACMA has blocked hundreds of illegal sites, reducing their activity in the Australian market.
Locks make it difficult to access, but are not an absolute technical barrier, so the regulator combines them with educational and legal measures.
Conclusion
Blocking unlicensed ACMA gambling sites is a complex process involving monitoring, legal review and technical restriction of access through ISPs. This mechanism helps protect players, maintain legality and reduce the influence of offshore operators on the Australian market.
1. How ACMA identifies unlicensed sites
Monitor the Internet space for gambling offers prohibited by the IGA.
Analysis of complaints from users and organizations.
Cooperation with foreign regulators and financial institutions.
Check for compliance of operators with the official register of approved services.
2. Grounds for blocking
No licence issued by an Australian regulator.
Provision of prohibited types of gambling (online slots, board games for real money).
Violation of Responsible Gambling rules.
Use of unfair advertising or misleading users.
3. Locking process step by step
1. Violation identification - ACMA records the facts of illegal activity.
2. Evidence collection - screenshots, technical data, domain records.
3. Generate a notification for ISPs to block a resource.
4. Blocking implementation - providers use DNS blocking or IP blocking, restricting access to the site.
5. Publication in the registry of blocked sites on the official ACMA website.
4. Technical methods of blocking
DNS blocking - Replaces the domain address with a stub with a blocking notification.
IP blocking - block a specific IP address if the site does not change it often.
URL filtering - restricting access to certain pages of the site.
5. What happens after lockdown
The operator loses access to the Australian audience.
In case of serious violations, ACMA may transfer materials to AUSTRAC or law enforcement agencies.
With repeated attempts to bypass the locks, additional sanctions and international interaction with other regulators are possible.
6. Interlock efficiency
Since 2017, ACMA has blocked hundreds of illegal sites, reducing their activity in the Australian market.
Locks make it difficult to access, but are not an absolute technical barrier, so the regulator combines them with educational and legal measures.
Conclusion
Blocking unlicensed ACMA gambling sites is a complex process involving monitoring, legal review and technical restriction of access through ISPs. This mechanism helps protect players, maintain legality and reduce the influence of offshore operators on the Australian market.
