Participation of banks in filtering transactions of unlicensed sites
Australian banks play a key role in implementing ACMA measures to restrict access to unlicensed online casinos. In addition to ISP blocking domains, financial institutions use filtering and monitoring systems to prevent funds from being transferred to operators not licensed to provide gambling services in Australia.
1. Legal basis
Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA) prohibits operators without an Australian license from providing services to players.
Banks are required to comply with the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 (AML/CTF Act), including preventing transfers in favor of prohibited services.
ACMA transmits to banks and payment systems a list of operators under blocking.
2. Transaction filtering mechanisms
Automatic blocking by MCC codes
Use Merchant Category Codes to identify gambling-related transactions.
Banks can reject transfers with specific MCCs if the operator is on the ACMA list.
Verification with "black lists" of domains and details
Monitoring systems check the recipients of payments based on the database of prohibited operators.
Blocked domains and accounts are updated in real time.
Cryptocurrency transaction monitoring
Financial institutions use analytics platforms to track transfers to crypto wallets associated with unlicensed casinos.
3. Participation of international payment systems
Visa, Mastercard and PayPal are also partnering with ACMA and banks to limit transfers.
Blocking is possible at the level of international processing centers, which makes bypassing restrictions difficult.
4. Implications for players
Deny payments when trying to fund an unlicensed casino account.
Possible suspension of account service if a violation of the law is suspected.
Transfer of data to AUSTRAC for further analysis and, if necessary, to ATO for tax review.
5. Consequences for operators
Loss of ability to process payments through Australian banks.
The need to use alternative and less reliable replenishment methods (cryptocurrencies, third-party payment gateways).
Increased risk of blocking due to circumvention of restrictions.
Conclusion
Bank transaction filtering is one of the most effective ACMA tools in the fight against unlicensed casinos. The joint work of banks, international payment systems and government agencies significantly reduces the ability of illegal operators to operate in the Australian market and protects players from financial risks.
1. Legal basis
Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA) prohibits operators without an Australian license from providing services to players.
Banks are required to comply with the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 (AML/CTF Act), including preventing transfers in favor of prohibited services.
ACMA transmits to banks and payment systems a list of operators under blocking.
2. Transaction filtering mechanisms
Automatic blocking by MCC codes
Use Merchant Category Codes to identify gambling-related transactions.
Banks can reject transfers with specific MCCs if the operator is on the ACMA list.
Verification with "black lists" of domains and details
Monitoring systems check the recipients of payments based on the database of prohibited operators.
Blocked domains and accounts are updated in real time.
Cryptocurrency transaction monitoring
Financial institutions use analytics platforms to track transfers to crypto wallets associated with unlicensed casinos.
3. Participation of international payment systems
Visa, Mastercard and PayPal are also partnering with ACMA and banks to limit transfers.
Blocking is possible at the level of international processing centers, which makes bypassing restrictions difficult.
4. Implications for players
Deny payments when trying to fund an unlicensed casino account.
Possible suspension of account service if a violation of the law is suspected.
Transfer of data to AUSTRAC for further analysis and, if necessary, to ATO for tax review.
5. Consequences for operators
Loss of ability to process payments through Australian banks.
The need to use alternative and less reliable replenishment methods (cryptocurrencies, third-party payment gateways).
Increased risk of blocking due to circumvention of restrictions.
Conclusion
Bank transaction filtering is one of the most effective ACMA tools in the fight against unlicensed casinos. The joint work of banks, international payment systems and government agencies significantly reduces the ability of illegal operators to operate in the Australian market and protects players from financial risks.
