Australian Authorities Crack Down on Illegal Online Poker Operations

The Australian Media and Communications Authority (ACMA) is pursuing legal action against Rhys Edward Jones, Diverse Link Pty Ltd, and Brenton Lee Buttigieg in Federal Court for purportedly illicit poker ventures. The ACMA alleges these individuals breached the Interactive Gambling Act of 2001 by providing prohibited internet gambling options to Australians.

Jones is charged with operating these services from March 2020 to March 2021, while Diverse Link supposedly sustained the operation from March 2021 onward. Buttigieg is implicated in advertising the services and directing clients.

The operations in question, initially functioning under titles like PPPfish, Shuffle Gaming, and subsequently Redraw Poker, enabled players to acquire chips using methods like bank transfers and Bitcoin. These chips could then be utilized for real-money online poker matches and could even be exchanged for cash later.

If deemed liable, individuals involved could encounter fines of up to AUD 1.7 million.

Regulators in Australia are taking legal action against a business accused of providing illicit wagering options. People found violating the regulations could face penalties of up to $2 million, while the organization itself may be forced to pay a hefty $10 million. Given that the matter is now under judicial consideration, officials are remaining tight-lipped at this time. They did, however, underscore their dedication to upholding the prohibition on unauthorized interactive gaming services within Australia.