Many people like to access online casinos and gambling sites, however do you know who is operating the sites you visit?
A business must be licensed in Australia to provide online gaming or betting services, and some online gambling services are illegal in Australia, including online pokies and casino-style games (like poker, blackjack and roulette).
Despite this, numerous financial institutions have noticed an increase in the number of people using illegal online gambling websites, including online casinos and pokies. These online gambling services are designed to look like they are legal in Australia, some even target Australian players, and they are often found through social media and sometimes through friends and family.
If you use illegal gambling websites, you may have no recourse if something goes wrong. Things to look out for:
- Be careful of depositing money into your account on an operator’s website or app as you may not be able to access your winnings.
- An illegal operator could continue to withdraw funds from your bank account or card without your permission after you stop using this operator.
- The illegal operator could close its services, or move them elsewhere, and your money could disappear.
- The website/app could become blocked, and you could lose access to your account.
- You may be unwittingly involved in money laundering, especially if you are receiving funds that you have to transfer elsewhere.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) provides useful information on their website, including a list of legal operators and blocked illegal gambling websites.
Healthdirect and the Gambling Help Online provide information and assistance to people affected by gambling.
