Multiple operators receive warnings from ACMA for violating gambling rules

Multiple operators receive warnings from ACMA for violating gambling rules

Multiple cautions have been issued by the ACMA, Australia's communications and media regulator.

After an inquiry revealed that Mad Entertainment, the firm behind Golden Lion, had committed multiple breaches of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA), the first was sent to them.

Despite lacking a licence from an Australian authority, investigators discovered that the Golden Lion platform was providing casino-style games to Australian consumers and even had an Australian-facing link.

Paloma Media, a service provider for the esports betting site Thunderpick, also committed a comparable crime.

During the time that clients in Australia could access the site, Thunderpick also lacked an appropriate licence.

Official warnings were issued to both Dama and Friolion Limited, the owners of Betibet, following the discovery that consumers using an Australian internet carriage service could access the site.

To be fair, this wasn't Dama and Friolion Limited's only port of call.

Dama and Friolion were both cautioned for allowing Greenspin, Slotman, and Jeetcity to operate in Australia without the necessary licences.

If "any or all" of a site's clients are physically present in Australia, then the site is considered to have an Australian customer link according to the IGA.

If users can pay to participate in skill or chance-based games with the potential to win real money, then these sites are also considered to provide gambling services.

With licences from various authorities, including Liquor and Gaming NSW, the Northern Territory Racing Commission, the Victorian Gaming and Casino Control Commission, and the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission, among others, the ACMA website features a list of authorised gambling providers. This is done to ensure consumer protection.

However, Australia has lately nabbed a number of companies, including Ladbrokes, Neds, bet365, and Sportsbet, for violating in-play betting regulations.