The Australian media watchdog, known as the ACMA, has issued its initial formal caution to a tech company named Proxous Advanced Solutions. This company supplies software for internet casinos, particularly a brand known as RealTime Gaming (RTG). The problem at hand is that Proxous intentionally provided this software to 13 digital casinos that were illicitly offering services to Australian residents. This action is strictly prohibited under Australia’s Interactive Gambling Act of 2001.
The ACMA had previously conducted investigations into these casinos, including Fair Go Casino, Two Up Casino, and several others, confirming their unlawful operations within Australia. Essentially, these casinos relied heavily on Proxous’s software to manage their entire operations. Consequently, the ACMA has implemented measures to restrict access to these casinos from within Australia.
This action taken against Proxous holds significant weight as it marks the first instance where the ACMA has targeted a technology provider, rather than solely focusing on the casinos themselves. Since 2017, they have been actively cracking down on illegal offshore gambling, resulting in the departure of over 170 services from the Australian market. The ACMA’s message to Australians is crystal clear: exercise caution, as even if an online casino appears legitimate, it may not offer the same level of protection as a licensed service.
The ACMA, Australia’s regulatory body for communications and media, has not formally cautioned any organization for “participation in unlawful wagering operations through software provision.” Nevertheless, they are taking stringent measures against the gaming sector. They recently unveiled BetStop, a novel self-restriction registry. This initiative will empower players to bar themselves from every licensed internet-based gaming platform for a period no shorter than three months.