NSW issues warning against illegal online gambling sites

Office of Responsible Gambling says players should avoid illegal off-shore sites.

Australia.- Residents of New South Wales are being urged to avoid overseas gambling and casino sites during the Coronavirus pandemic.

The New South Wales Office of Responsible Gambling (ORG) has warned against players using illegal gambling sites and the potential for gambling addiction to occur.

In a statement, Director of ORG, Natalie Wright, said: “Overseas gambling websites are illegal in Australia, and people who use them face additional risks than when they gamble with a licensed Australian operator.

“Some of these sites look legitimate, and they even look like they are Australian by using images such as the Australian flag and native animals.

“These sites are illegal under the Commonwealth Interactive Gambling Act 2001, and because they’re not regulated, there are no safeguards to protect people.

“For people that do want to gamble online, you should only use services licensed in Australia, as there are consumer safeguards in place and responsible gambling options, such as the ability to set time and expenditure limits.”

Earlier in April, Australia reported a dramatic increase in online gambling in the country since lockdown measures were introduced.