ACMA Report Exposes Offshore Gambling Services Targeting Australians During FIFA Women’s World Cup

In a devastating report, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) confirmed the names of eighteen offshore gambling companies that provided Australians with illegal betting options during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Held in Australia for the first time, the event attracted a lot of attention and ran from July 20 to August 20, 2023.

Nevertheless, the ACMA found a troubling pattern of illegal gaming operations directed towards Australian consumers notwithstanding the excitement.

Three of the eighteen services that were determined to have violated the Interactive Gambling Act of 2001 voluntarily withdrew after receiving letters from the ACMA, and fifteen had their websites deactivated. After 200 offshore platforms were examined, these services were found to be especially aimed at Australian bettors.

Carolyn Lidgerwood, ACMA authority member and lead for online gaming, underscored the gravity of the issue by pointing out that the aforementioned websites were not permitted to provide wagering services in Australia.

Additionally, a number of them offered prohibited interactive gambling options, such live betting and online casinos, endangering Australian consumers.

Lidgerwood warned customers about the possible consequences of using these services and emphasized the lack of consumer protections offered by these illegal businesses.

She made the points that buyers have no recourse in the event of a dispute and that victories might not be acknowledged.

As part of its ongoing campaign against illicit gambling, the ACMA has blacklisted more than 900 websites linked to and offering unauthorized gambling since 2019.

The study is a sobering reminder of the continuous risks that offshore gaming companies must contend with, as well as the necessity of maintaining vigilance to safeguard Australian consumers.

Original Story by: Inside Asian Gaming