ACMA Blocks 4 More Australian Online Casinos
The Australian Communications and Media Authority’s ongoing quest to block every online gambling site in the world continues. Now, the ACMA has added four more websites to their ISP block list. This brings the total number of websites on the list to 180.
Four More Website Added to ACMA ISP Block List
On Wednesday, the ACMA announced the latest websites they will be adding to their list of blocked gambling sites. The following websites are now on “the list:”
- Gibson Casino
- Always Vegas
- Viggoslots
- Malibu Club Casino
If you have any money on these websites, the ACMA is recommending that you withdraw it from these sites. Of course, you can do that. You can also use a VPN to get around the ISP block. The choice is entirely up to you.
As usual, the ACMA says that they have received numerous complaints about the websites and they’ve done their investigation to see if they violated the Internet Gambling Act of 2001. As usual, the ACMA determined that they have violated the law and have added them to the list. Chris Jericho will be happy.
The ACMA has added 180 websites to their ever-growing block list. At some point, all Australian online casinos will be targeted. In addition to the 180 on this list, at least 100 other sites have quit serving Australian players since changes in gambling rules back in 2017.
The funny part about their notice is that they tell you to go to check out the list of licensed online gambling sites. However, this list does not list any online casinos or online pokies venues.
Gambling List Only Partially Effective
The ACMA claims that their ISP block is effective because it gives a message about illegal gambling to those that access blocked sites. However, this block is only partially effective. For starters, players can simply use a VPN to bypass this block. With a VPN, you can connect to a server in another country and use it to surf.
You will not longer use your ISP for browsing, thus eliminating the block. Better still, there are a number of free VPN services that you can use to bypass this block. Free services have their limitations but are a great fit for casual or infrequent gamblers.
ACMA continues to block sites offering overseas gaming services to Australians https://t.co/kdwwObr7uT
— Benn Skender (@bennskender) January 14, 2020
Next, online casinos are fighting back against these blocks by simply rebranding. While we won’t go into which sites are rebranding, there are a number of sites that still exist but under a different name. Remember Pokie Pop? How about Joka Room? Both are examples of sites that “no longer exist.” However, smart players know that these sites still exist, just under a different brand.
Of course, there are still plenty of websites that are still not on the block list. The majority of our online casino partners have yet to be targeted by the ACMA. Of course, we know it is coming. It is just a matter of time before they are added to the list.
Why We Continue to Report on List Additions
A question we’ve received multiple times from readers is why we continue to report on list additions. The main reason is that it is news. Next, the only way that some players hear about blocks is through websites like this. There’s little reason for most players to frequent the ACMA website. By giving players some advance warning, they can make plans on what to do next.
Next, we write these reports to give reminders to players of what they can do when these blocks occur. Some are not familiar with VPN technology or they don’t know about some of our casino partners. We can give them information to continue playing at online casinos.