Who is responsible for blocking illegal sites with slots

In Australia, blocking illegal sites with online slots is part of a federal strategy to combat illegal online gambling. The main role in this process is played by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), acting on the basis of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA).

1. Role of ACMA

The main function: identifying, documenting and initiating the blocking of sites offering Australians online slots for real money.
ACMA maintains a registry of prohibited sites that are blocked by Internet service providers (ISPs).
The organization also sends instructions to operators and payment systems to stop servicing violators.

2. Basis for blocking

Providing real-money online slots to Australian users, regardless of the site's registration jurisdiction.
Violation of IGA provisions, including the lack of an Australian Internet gambling license.
Attempts to bypass the ban through mirrors or new domain names.

3. How the blocking process goes

1. Monitoring and complaints - ACMA identifies a site through its own control or receives a complaint from a player.
2. Investigation - checking the availability of the site from Australia, the range of games and the presence of real bets.
3. Prescription - notification of the operator with the requirement to stop providing services to Australians.
4. Blocking - If the ACMA order fails, sends a request to ISPs to block access.

4. Technical methods of blocking

DNS blocking - redirecting requests to a blocked domain to a notification page.
IP blocking - blocking access to the server network address.
URL filtering - point blocking of individual pages or sections.

5. Role of ISPs

Providers are required to comply with ACMA blocking orders on time.
Failure to comply may result in fines and other penalties.

6. Limitations and complexities

Players can use VPNs, which complicates blocking, but does not make the game legal.
Operators change domain names and hosting, which requires constant monitoring and registry updating.

7. Final conclusion

ACMA is responsible for blocking illegal sites with online slots in Australia, acting under federal law. The process includes investigation, operator notification, and technical restriction of access through ISPs. Despite attempts to bypass through VPNs and mirrors, participation in such games remains illegal and without legal protection.