Geoblocking and access to foreign gaming sites
In Queensland, as in other Australian states, access to unlicensed overseas online casinos is restricted by geo-locking. These measures are regulated by the federal Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA) and implemented under the supervision of the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).
1. Legislative framework
The IGA prohibits operators without an Australian licence from providing interactive gambling services to gamblers based in Australia.
ACMA has the authority to block sites and payment channels associated with illegal operators.
Geoblocking is used as a technical measure to meet the requirements of the law.
2. How geoblocking works
DNS blocking - Internet service providers redirect requests to prohibited sites to a page with a blocking notification.
IP blocking - a ban on access to specific IP addresses of servers of offshore casinos.
Blocking payment transactions - banks and payment systems reject transfers to accounts associated with illegal operators.
3. Role of providers and banks
ISPs are required to comply with ACMA resource blocking orders.
Banks and processing companies must prevent transactions in favor of prohibited platforms in order to comply with the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act (AML/CTF).
4. Ability to bypass locks
Players can technically bypass geo-blocking using VPNs or anonymizers, but this does not make the game legal.
Using bypass tools can violate the rules of a particular casino and lead to account blocking or cancellation of winnings.
5. Risks during geoblocking bypass
Lack of protection of player rights under Australian law;
Possible loss of funds when blocking an offshore platform;
Personal data leakage when using unreliable VPN services;
Financial checks when transferring large amounts from abroad.
6. Final conclusion
Geoblocking in Queensland is an official measure to restrict access to overseas unlicensed gaming sites. Although technically it can be circumvented, players who do this operate outside the legal field and carry increased financial and legal risks.
1. Legislative framework
The IGA prohibits operators without an Australian licence from providing interactive gambling services to gamblers based in Australia.
ACMA has the authority to block sites and payment channels associated with illegal operators.
Geoblocking is used as a technical measure to meet the requirements of the law.
2. How geoblocking works
DNS blocking - Internet service providers redirect requests to prohibited sites to a page with a blocking notification.
IP blocking - a ban on access to specific IP addresses of servers of offshore casinos.
Blocking payment transactions - banks and payment systems reject transfers to accounts associated with illegal operators.
3. Role of providers and banks
ISPs are required to comply with ACMA resource blocking orders.
Banks and processing companies must prevent transactions in favor of prohibited platforms in order to comply with the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act (AML/CTF).
4. Ability to bypass locks
Players can technically bypass geo-blocking using VPNs or anonymizers, but this does not make the game legal.
Using bypass tools can violate the rules of a particular casino and lead to account blocking or cancellation of winnings.
5. Risks during geoblocking bypass
Lack of protection of player rights under Australian law;
Possible loss of funds when blocking an offshore platform;
Personal data leakage when using unreliable VPN services;
Financial checks when transferring large amounts from abroad.
6. Final conclusion
Geoblocking in Queensland is an official measure to restrict access to overseas unlicensed gaming sites. Although technically it can be circumvented, players who do this operate outside the legal field and carry increased financial and legal risks.
