The role of banks in limiting transactions to illegal casinos
In Australia, the fight against illegal online casinos is carried out not only through blocking sites and IP addresses, but also through restricting financial transfers. Banks and payment systems play a key role in the implementation of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA) and the measures implemented by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).
1. Legal basis
* IGA 2001allows operators without an Australian licence to accept rates and deposits from Australian residents.
ACMA cooperates with banks and payment providers to block transfers to the accounts of illegal operators.
The Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 * requires financial institutions to monitor suspicious transactions.
2. How banks identify transfers to illegal casinos
Monitoring against lists of blocked domains and companies provided by ACMA.
Analysis of MCC codes (Merchant Category Code) indicating gambling transactions.
Use of AML/CTF systems to identify foreign account transfers related to gambling activities.
3. Restriction mechanisms
Direct blocking - refusal to make a payment using details associated with a prohibited operator.
Filtering by MCC codes - automatic blocking of certain categories of transactions.
Client notification - the bank informs the sender about the reason for the transfer rejection.
Suspending a suspicious transaction until its purpose is confirmed.
4. Impact on players
The player cannot replenish an account in an illegal casino using a bank card or direct bank transfer.
Some offshore operators bypass blocking through intermediate payment services or cryptocurrencies, but such methods carry an increased risk.
When using workarounds, the player is deprived of the opportunity to return money through the bank in case of a dispute.
5. Role of payment providers
Large international systems (Visa, Mastercard, PayPal) also cooperate with ACMA and block transfers to illegal casinos.
PayPal in Australia does not serve online casino transactions without a local license.
Cryptocurrency exchanges registered with AUSTRAC are required to report suspicious transfers to gambling services.
6. Implications for market regulation
Financial blocking is one of the most effective tools for restricting access to illegal operators.
Reduces the flow of funds into the gray sector and increases the attractiveness of licensed casinos.
Helps protect players from fraud and the inability to collect winnings.
7. Recommendations to players
Check casino license before making deposit.
Avoid using alternative uncertified payment channels.
When blocking the transfer, check with the bank the reason and check the operator with the ACMA register.
Conclusion:
1. Legal basis
* IGA 2001allows operators without an Australian licence to accept rates and deposits from Australian residents.
ACMA cooperates with banks and payment providers to block transfers to the accounts of illegal operators.
The Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 * requires financial institutions to monitor suspicious transactions.
2. How banks identify transfers to illegal casinos
Monitoring against lists of blocked domains and companies provided by ACMA.
Analysis of MCC codes (Merchant Category Code) indicating gambling transactions.
Use of AML/CTF systems to identify foreign account transfers related to gambling activities.
3. Restriction mechanisms
Direct blocking - refusal to make a payment using details associated with a prohibited operator.
Filtering by MCC codes - automatic blocking of certain categories of transactions.
Client notification - the bank informs the sender about the reason for the transfer rejection.
Suspending a suspicious transaction until its purpose is confirmed.
4. Impact on players
The player cannot replenish an account in an illegal casino using a bank card or direct bank transfer.
Some offshore operators bypass blocking through intermediate payment services or cryptocurrencies, but such methods carry an increased risk.
When using workarounds, the player is deprived of the opportunity to return money through the bank in case of a dispute.
5. Role of payment providers
Large international systems (Visa, Mastercard, PayPal) also cooperate with ACMA and block transfers to illegal casinos.
PayPal in Australia does not serve online casino transactions without a local license.
Cryptocurrency exchanges registered with AUSTRAC are required to report suspicious transfers to gambling services.
6. Implications for market regulation
Financial blocking is one of the most effective tools for restricting access to illegal operators.
Reduces the flow of funds into the gray sector and increases the attractiveness of licensed casinos.
Helps protect players from fraud and the inability to collect winnings.
7. Recommendations to players
Check casino license before making deposit.
Avoid using alternative uncertified payment channels.
When blocking the transfer, check with the bank the reason and check the operator with the ACMA register.
Conclusion:
- Australian banks and payment systems are active participants in the fight against illegal online casinos. Through blocking and filtering transactions, they reduce players' access to offshore operators, supporting only licensed sites. This increases the level of financial security and helps control the gambling market in the country.
