Australian Communications and Media Commission (ACMA) and its oversight

ACMA is a key federal regulator enforcing the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 and protecting the minimum age of 18 for online gambling.

1. ACMA authority

Oversight of IGA

The ACMA ensures that all interactive gambling available to Australian residents complies with the law: no betting by under-18s and no "in-play" betting on non-licensed platforms.

Investigations and reception of complaints

Consumers and other market participants can file complaints with the ACMA about admittance of minors, violations of age restrictions, or bypassing locks.

Issuance of instructions (remedial directions)

If systemic violations are detected, ACMA issues mandatory instructions for the operator to eliminate deficiencies in KYC procedures and protect age.

2. Audits and inspections

1. Scheduled audits

Annual checks of operators: analysis of registration logs, verification through DVS, integration with BetStop and ACIP.

2. Unscheduled inspections

If a complaint is received or anomalies are detected, ACMA can request detailed reporting or conduct a "hidden" platform check, including test registrations.

3. Sanctions mechanism

ViolationSanctions from ACMA
Admission of persons <18 years to interactive gamesFines up to AUD 1.1 million per day for the company, up to AUD 220,000 per day for the person in charge
Ignoring KYC process adjustment instructionsEnforceable undertakings; if repeated - license revocation
Failure to report cases of admission of minorsInfringement notices, additional penalties

Enforceable undertaking - an official agreement with ACMA to eliminate violations on time: published publicly and controlled by the regulator.

4. Interaction with other bodies

AUSTRAC

Jointly monitors compliance with ACIP (AML/CTF requirement) and age threshold through banking APIs.

State/Territory Regulators

ACMA coordinates with regional commissions (Liquor & Gaming NSW, VIC Commission, etc.) for the unified application of age rules.

5. Tools and recommendations from ACMA

1. Operator's Manuals

Step-by-step instructions for implementing ACIP, DVS checks, integration with BetStop and logging failures.

2. Educational Web Resources

Publication of cases, checklists and age control FAQs on the official ACMA website.

3. Public reports

Quarterly and annual reports on the level of industry compliance with age standards, the number of complaints and measures taken.

Result

The ACMA plays a central role in protecting Australia's minimum age of 18 in online gambling through oversight of compliance with the Interactive Gambling Act, conducting scheduled and unscheduled audits, issuing prescriptions and imposing multimillion-dollar fines, and coordinating with AUSTRAC and regional regulators.

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