Online gaming provider Proxous Advanced Solutions Limited was recently issued a warning by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) for providing gaming products to online casinos that offer illegal gaming in Australia. The formal warning was provided after an investigation into the company revealed the issue.

Interactive Gambling Act 2001 Breach

The investigation by the AMCA found Proxous in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. Proxous subleased software products of Realtime Gaming and this resulted in providing games to online gambling sites that are not legally allowed to offer services in Australia.

A report by the AMCA showed the company provided licensed software to the following illegal sites:

  • Aussie Play
  • BoVegas
  • Cherry Gold Casino
  • Fair Go Casino
  • Free Spin
  • Ozwin Casino
  • Play Croco
  • Reels of Joy
  • Red Dog Casino
  • Slots Empire
  • Two Up Casino
  • Uptown Pokies
  • Uptown Aces

Each of these providers use Realtime Gaming software to offer online casino gaming. This includes services to players in Australia. Previous investigations by the watchdog have determined that such services are illegal in the country.

Blocking These Services

The ACMA is currently taking action to try and block illegal gambling services in Australia. The formal warning to Proxous is the first time the regulator has taken action against an operator that is connected to illegal gambling operations via software.

In June, the ACMA ordered local internet service providers to ban access to ThePokies.net due to customer complaints regarding the unlicensed site. The domain had around 30,000 Australian players per month, and many had lost large amounts of cash or not received winnings from jackpot prizes. The ACMA found that the site was causing harm in the region, so blocking access to it was the best way to protect consumers.

The regulator has been enforcing the gambling rules connected to illegal offshore services since 2017; in that time, over 170 providers have removed themselves from the region. The AMCA wants consumers to know that even if an online gambling site seems legitimate, it is important that the provider is licensed to offer services.

Players can utilize the register offered by the ACMA to check if an operator is approved to provide service. This way, players can ensure they are accessing gaming options via authorized operators. The ACMA also offers information on how to protect yourself from illegal gambling operators and how to make a complaint against a site that is offering gambling services in Australia illegally.