Watchdog gives online bookies the boot for breaches during World Cup

A probe into overseas wagering outlets operating on the FIFA Women’s World Cup has revealed that multiple online bookmakers broke Australia’s gambling laws.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) says 18 offshore bookmakers operated in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.

In a report published on Thursday, ACMA says it reviewed the betting activities of 200 overseas firms before and during the 2023 World Cup co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

Twenty-one operators were investigated because they directly targeted Australian gamblers.

As a result of ACMA’s findings, three companies immediately withdrew from the Australian market.

At the media regulator’s request, internet service providers blocked websites owned by the remaining 15 outlets.

The watchdog says some of the bookmakers had offered online in-play betting on World Cup matches as well as interactive gambling services such as casinos and poker machines.

While legal in many countries, including New Zealand, betting in-play on sporting fixtures is banned in Australia.

ACMA’s online gambling lead Carolyn Lidgerwood said many of the sites were unlicensed to provide wagering services in Australia.

“Illegal gambling operations often take advantage of high-profile sporting events to push their services onto fans,” she said.

“These sites also offer none of the consumer protections that apply to licensed wagering services in Australia.

“Using these sites is more than a gamble as you have no rights, and even if you win, you may never see the money.”

Since 2019, more than 900 online gambling websites and their affiliates have been blocked from the Australian wagering space as ACMA has been tasked with asking internet providers to crack down on illegal operators.

ACMA says more than 220 websites have left the Australian market since the rules were enforced.