The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has directed the blocking of three unlawful offshore wagering websites and taken steps against a site that permitted players to gamble using “skins” from video games.
The ACMA declared in its most recent blocking order that Vave, Highway Casino and Online Casinos Australia were operating in violation of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
As a consequence, the ACMA has asked that Australian internet service providers block access to each site.
Since the ACMA issued its initial request in November 2019, 747 illicit websites have been blocked, while over 200 illegal services have withdrawn from Australia since the ACMA began enforcing new unlawful offshore gambling regulations in 2017.
In the meantime, the ACMA has issued a formal warning to Feral Holdings Limited after ruling that the company had been operating its CS:GO Roll website unlawfully in Australia.
The ACMA’s investigation revealed that CS:GO Roll offered casino-like online games, which are illegal under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 if played for money or anything of value.
Players could deposit “skins” from the video game Counter-Strike: Global Offensive in exchange for in-game currency that could be used in casino-like games.
Prizes are awarded in the form of digital assets, which can be traded for actual currency via external marketplaces.
Feral Holdings’ CS:GO Roll site has been shut down in Australia, and the company has also been issued a formal caution.
“In Australia, it is against the law to offer online casino-like games for money or anything of worth, whether it be Australian dollars, digital currency, or in this case, online game skins,” stated ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin.
“Skin betting services are particularly alarming as they can appeal to a younger audience and have the potential to transform gamers into gamblers.”
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