An investigation by ACMA found that Proxous, by sublicensing Realtime Gaming (RTG)-branded software products to casinos, knowingly provided prohibited interactive gambling services to Australians, violating the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
The illegal casino brands operating illegally included:
- Fair Go Casino
- Two Up Casino
- Free Spin
- BoVegas
- Uptown Pokies
- Uptown Aces
- Red Dog Casino
- Slots Empire
- Cherry Gold Casino
- Play Croco
- Aussie Play
- Ozwin Casino
- Reels Of Joy
All of these casinos used RTG-branded software from Proxous to offer online casino services and had previously been found by ACMA to be illegally offering gambling in Australia. ACMA has issued blocking orders against each of these casino brands.
This is the first time ACMA has taken action against a business for supplying software to illegal gambling operators. Since 2017, over 170 illegal offshore gambling services have exited the Australian market due to ACMA’s enforcement of new rules.
Consumers should be aware that even if an online gambling service appears legitimate, it may lack the necessary customer protections required of licensed services.
Last month, ACMA requested internet service providers to block access to 11 additional offshore gambling websites operating in violation of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. These websites include:
- Pokie Island
- Rich Palms
- Lucky Tiger Casino
- Megaslot
- Bitkingz
- Parimatchwin
- Casino Rocket
- Montecryptos
- Cabarino
- Robin Roo
- Jackpot Jill VIP
ACMA has also established rules for the country’s new self-exclusion register for online and phone gambling, named ‘BetStop’. Through BetStop, individuals can self-exclude from all Australian licensed online and phone wagering services, ranging from three months to permanent exclusion.
Once registered with BetStop, licensed wagering providers must close the individual’s betting accounts, block them from placing bets or opening new accounts, and refrain from sending marketing messages. Wagering providers will also be required to promote BetStop on their websites, mobile apps, and marketing materials.
