The enforcing body stipulated that the Curacao Gaming Control Board (CGCB) must strengthen cooperation with ACMA in fighting the proliferation of illegal web portals that continually target Australian residents without facing significant consequences. To date, ACMA has already barred access to over 950 such sites, instigating numerous others to withdraw of their own accord.
Additional Optimism for ACMA in Suppressing Illicit Websites
Since its inception, ACMA has been ceaselessly reminding that it has the intention of collaborating with international peers and enforcing bodies to impose severe sanctions against the licenses of culpable websites. However, extracting a response, particularly from Curacao, has been an uphill task for the Australian government, albeit the situation has markedly improved.
A continuous dialogue between Curacao’s gambling sector officials and Australian regulators insinuates that the two nations are inching closer to formulating joint actions that would remarkably bolster ACMA’s capacity to suppress illegal betting portals, adopting a more potent and efficient strategy compared to the fragmented approach used in the last five years.
An ACMA spokesperson conveyed to the Guardian that the enforcing body has been aspiring to build a close relationship with foreign counterparts. “We have communicated with Curacao regarding specific services licensed under their jurisdiction,” ACMA conceded, contending that it is already aware of the identities of the offenders and is prepared to aid the CGCB in implementing the necessary measures.
Curacao has recognised the necessity for revisions in its licensing system, and consequently revamped it, with a new Master Gambling License now operational, intended to intensify scrutiny and command the attention of operators.
A Decision Looms for Operators
Owing to these Master licenses, corporations will be barred from linking their operations to a subcontractor, a move expected to nullify the capability of numerous portals to function as “licensed” establishments. A divergence is anticipated, with responsible operators comprehending the significance of a Curacao license and retracting from certain markets and practices, whilst a specific segment of unscrupulous entities may continue to operate nefariously whilst targeting unwarranted markets with or without a license.
“We are actively investigating more regulatory cooperation with international gambling enforcers and would appreciate any chance to liaise with the Curacao Gaming Authority to exchange data or synchronize actions against the supply of online betting services in violation of Australian law,” an ACMA spokesperson informed The Guardian.
The expected consequence of Curacao and Australia’s collaboration is that ACMA will potentially be able to amplify the volume of blocked portals substantially.
