Can banks block transfers to offshore casinos
In Australia, transfers to offshore online casinos can be blocked by banks or payment systems, even if such transactions are not directly prohibited by law for the player. The restrictions are related to the implementation of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA), as well as internal policies of financial institutions to prevent participation in illegal online gambling.
1. Legal basis of interlocks
The IGA prohibits operators without an Australian licence from offering gambling services to AU gamblers.
The law does not impose direct criminal or administrative liability on the player, but banks can restrict transactions so as not to participate in illegal transactions.
* The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) provides banks and payment systems with lists of prohibited operators.
2. Locking mechanisms
1. MCC - Merchant Category Code
Each operation has a category. If the MCC qualifies for gambling, the bank can automatically decline the transfer.
2. Geographic filtering
Banks track the recipient's country; transfers in jurisdictions with a high proportion of illegal gambling (Curacao, Panama, etc.) are blocked more often.
3. Internal blacklists
Financial institutions maintain their own lists of sites and companies with which it is forbidden to work.
4. AML/CTF monitoring
To comply with the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act *, suspicious transfers may be frozen for review.
3. When blocking is most likely
Transfer directly to an offshore casino account using bank details.
Payment from a card explicitly marked MCC 7995 (Betting/Casino Gambling).
Using PayID or bank transfer to the recipient with an offshore license from the ACMA list.
4. Block bypassing and risks
Some players try to use e-wallets or cryptocurrency to circumvent restrictions, but such methods carry a high risk of loss of funds.
Banks can block an account or demand an explanation of the origin of transactions.
When arguing with an offshore casino, it is extremely difficult to return money through chargeback, especially if the transaction was deliberately sent to a prohibited operator.
5. Recommendations to players
Check whether the operator is operating within Australian law.
Avoid direct bank transfers to offshore jurisdictions.
Use only legal replenishment methods allowed by local banks and payment services.
Conclusion:
1. Legal basis of interlocks
The IGA prohibits operators without an Australian licence from offering gambling services to AU gamblers.
The law does not impose direct criminal or administrative liability on the player, but banks can restrict transactions so as not to participate in illegal transactions.
* The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) provides banks and payment systems with lists of prohibited operators.
2. Locking mechanisms
1. MCC - Merchant Category Code
Each operation has a category. If the MCC qualifies for gambling, the bank can automatically decline the transfer.
2. Geographic filtering
Banks track the recipient's country; transfers in jurisdictions with a high proportion of illegal gambling (Curacao, Panama, etc.) are blocked more often.
3. Internal blacklists
Financial institutions maintain their own lists of sites and companies with which it is forbidden to work.
4. AML/CTF monitoring
To comply with the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act *, suspicious transfers may be frozen for review.
3. When blocking is most likely
Transfer directly to an offshore casino account using bank details.
Payment from a card explicitly marked MCC 7995 (Betting/Casino Gambling).
Using PayID or bank transfer to the recipient with an offshore license from the ACMA list.
4. Block bypassing and risks
Some players try to use e-wallets or cryptocurrency to circumvent restrictions, but such methods carry a high risk of loss of funds.
Banks can block an account or demand an explanation of the origin of transactions.
When arguing with an offshore casino, it is extremely difficult to return money through chargeback, especially if the transaction was deliberately sent to a prohibited operator.
5. Recommendations to players
Check whether the operator is operating within Australian law.
Avoid direct bank transfers to offshore jurisdictions.
Use only legal replenishment methods allowed by local banks and payment services.
Conclusion:
- Australian banks can and do block transfers to offshore casinos, especially if the operator is on ACMA lists or the transaction has clear signs of gambling. Even in the absence of a direct ban for the player, the risk of blocking, freezing funds and subsequent checks is high, so it is safer to work only with licensed sites.
