What sanctions ACMA applies to violators
The Australian Communications and Media Commission (ACMA) is mandated to monitor compliance with the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA) and other gambling regulations. When violations are identified, ACMA applies a wide range of sanctions aimed at stopping illegal activities and preventing damage to players.
1. The main types of violations subject to ACMA sanctions
Providing gambling services without a licence issued in Australia.
Offering prohibited online games (slots, board games for real money).
Violation of Responsible Gambling rules.
Unfair gambling advertising.
Non-compliance with AML/CTF (anti-money laundering) requirements.
2. Sanctions for operators
Financial penalties - the amount depends on the nature and extent of the violation; can reach millions of Australian dollars.
Termination orders - mandatory removal of content that violates the law.
Blocking sites - through Internet providers using DNS and IP filtering.
Interaction with international regulators - to revoke licenses issued in other jurisdictions.
Transfer of material to AUSTRAC and the police to prosecute cases of money laundering or fraud.
3. Sanctions for individuals
Fines for organizing illegal gambling or helping to conduct it.
Criminal liability in case of participation in fraudulent schemes or violations of AML/CTF.
Future gambling business ban.
4. Sanction procedure
1. Detection of violation - through monitoring, complaints from players or information from other regulators.
2. Evidence gathering - fact finding, technical analysis, legal evaluation.
3. Issue of a notice of violation with the requirement to eliminate the problem within the prescribed period.
4. Application of sanctions in case of refusal to fulfill the requirements or in case of gross violations.
5. Examples of ACMA sanctions
Blocking hundreds of offshore sites since 2017.
Multimillion-dollar fines to operators for illegally promoting gambling.
Suspension of companies until violations are eliminated.
Conclusion
ACMA uses comprehensive measures to influence violators - from financial fines to complete blocking of access to resources. These sanctions are aimed at protecting gamblers, ensuring fair competition and maintaining the rule of law in gambling in Australia.
1. The main types of violations subject to ACMA sanctions
Providing gambling services without a licence issued in Australia.
Offering prohibited online games (slots, board games for real money).
Violation of Responsible Gambling rules.
Unfair gambling advertising.
Non-compliance with AML/CTF (anti-money laundering) requirements.
2. Sanctions for operators
Financial penalties - the amount depends on the nature and extent of the violation; can reach millions of Australian dollars.
Termination orders - mandatory removal of content that violates the law.
Blocking sites - through Internet providers using DNS and IP filtering.
Interaction with international regulators - to revoke licenses issued in other jurisdictions.
Transfer of material to AUSTRAC and the police to prosecute cases of money laundering or fraud.
3. Sanctions for individuals
Fines for organizing illegal gambling or helping to conduct it.
Criminal liability in case of participation in fraudulent schemes or violations of AML/CTF.
Future gambling business ban.
4. Sanction procedure
1. Detection of violation - through monitoring, complaints from players or information from other regulators.
2. Evidence gathering - fact finding, technical analysis, legal evaluation.
3. Issue of a notice of violation with the requirement to eliminate the problem within the prescribed period.
4. Application of sanctions in case of refusal to fulfill the requirements or in case of gross violations.
5. Examples of ACMA sanctions
Blocking hundreds of offshore sites since 2017.
Multimillion-dollar fines to operators for illegally promoting gambling.
Suspension of companies until violations are eliminated.
Conclusion
ACMA uses comprehensive measures to influence violators - from financial fines to complete blocking of access to resources. These sanctions are aimed at protecting gamblers, ensuring fair competition and maintaining the rule of law in gambling in Australia.
