Casino Bello Blocked by ACMA for Breaching Gambling Laws

Casino Bello Blocked in Australia as ACMA Cracks Down on Illegal Gambling

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has taken decisive action by ordering Australian Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to block access to Casino Bello, an offshore gambling site operating illegally in the country. This move is part of ACMA’s ongoing efforts to enforce Australia’s Interactive Gambling Act 2001, which prohibits unauthorized gambling operations. Casino Bello, found in violation of this law, joins a growing list of websites blocked in Australia for engaging in illegal gambling activities. ACMA’s actions not only protect Australian players from unregulated operators but also uphold the integrity of the country’s gambling framework. Learn more about the impact of ACMA’s enforcement and how it shapes the future of gambling in Australia.

Casino Bello, an offshore gambling website, has been blocked in Australia following a directive from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). The site was found to be operating in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001, which prohibits unauthorized online gambling services from offering their platforms to Australian residents.

Since ACMA began enforcing these rules more rigorously in 2017, the regulator has targeted illegal gambling websites through an aggressive enforcement toolkit that includes website blocking and market withdrawals. The blocking of Casino Bello is a continuation of these efforts, which aim to clamp down on unlicensed and unregulated gambling activities that pose risks to Australian consumers.

Website blocking has become a pivotal part of ACMA’s strategy, with the regulator first employing this measure in November 2019. Since then, 1,033 illegal and affiliate websites have been blocked, with Casino Bello being one of the most recent additions. Additionally, over 220 illegal gambling services have voluntarily exited the Australian market as a result of ACMA’s increased enforcement measures.

In March 2024, ACMA escalated its efforts by blocking nine gambling sites, and in April 2024, it identified 18 unregulated websites in the wake of an investigation into illegal gambling activities during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. These actions highlight ACMA’s focus on ensuring that Australia’s online gambling environment remains tightly regulated and free from the influence of unauthorized operators.

The blocking of Casino Bello is just the latest step in ACMA’s ongoing mission to protect Australians from illegal gambling operators. Through sustained efforts like these, ACMA is strengthening the country’s regulated online gambling market, ensuring consumers are safeguarded, and reinforcing the integrity of Australia’s gambling laws. As ACMA continues to intensify its crackdown, players can expect a safer, more transparent online gaming experience in Australia.