Australia has levied a huge eight-figure fine in relation to a notorious illegal online gambling operation. This is notably one of the largest penalties of its kind ever issued in the country.
Illegal Poker Operation Fined
Australia’s Federal Court has slammed an illegal online poker operation spanning three websites, with one of the biggest gambling-related fines ever levied in the country. The legal action saw the court hand down a total of AUD 24.2 million ($16.7 million) in fines in relation to the illicit operation.
For reference, the court ordered Brisbane Poker, the business behind the PPPfish, Redraw Poker, and Shuffle Gaming brands, to pay some AUD 15 million ($10.4 million) in fines. At the same time, Brisbane Poker director Rhys Edward Jones was ordered to pay a fine of AUD 9 million ($6.2 million).
In addition to that, Brenton Lee Buttigieg, an avid gambling affiliate, received an AUD 240K ($166K) fine for promoting the unlicensed online poker operation. For reference, Buttigieg acknowledged his participation in the operation before the fines were determined.
In addition to that, Brisbane Poker and Jones were ordered to cover the legal costs associated with the case.
Online Gambling Is a No-Go In Australia
For reference, online gambling is strictly prohibited in Australia. However, the operation in question actively targeted local players, despite the ban. After investigating the matter for years, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) determined that PPPfish, Redraw Poker, and Shuffle Gaming allowed players to play using virtual chips that could be bought and converted back into real money.
This represented a severe breach of Australia’s Interactive Gaming Act.
The ACMA initiated legal proceedings against the illicit operation in April 2022. The regulator argued that even though the poker websites did not allow players to wager money, the fact that they could buy and redeem chips meant that the operation still represented a violation.
The ACMA has been working hard to crack down on the illegal online gambling sector, blocking thousands of offshore websites and affiliate services. In the meantime, the latest fines show that Australia is doubling down on its zero-tolerance philosophy in relation to online gambling.