The Australian media regulator, ACMA, is pursuing legal proceedings against a group of prominent Australian poker players. Rhys Edward Jones, Diverse Link Pty Ltd, and Brenton Lee Buttigieg stand accused of operating an illicit gambling ring, thereby breaching the Interactive Gambling Act of 2001.
The ACMA asserts that Jones provided unlawful online wagering services to Australians from March 2020 to March 2021. Diverse Link faces similar accusations from March 2021 onward, while Buttigieg allegedly marketed the operation and recruited participants.
This action follows an extensive ACMA inquiry into the unauthorized service, which operated under the monikers “PPPfish,” “Shuffle Gaming,” and ultimately “Redraw Poker.”
The ACMA contends that Jones and Diverse Link furnished a platform where Australians could engage in poker for real currency online from March 2, 2020.
They elaborated that “Participants enrolled in poker societies via a mobile application and could acquire chips through bank transfers or Bitcoin from external websites. These chips were subsequently credited to their poker club account and could be utilized for playing poker. Winnings could be withdrawn or converted back to Bitcoin.”
The ACMA stresses that individuals deemed culpable of these transgressions could incur penalties of up to $1.7 million AUD.
People found violating regulations could be subject to financial penalties reaching \$2 million, with corporations facing sanctions tenfold higher – a staggering \$20 million.
The ACMA is adopting a strict stance on illicit internet wagering, demonstrating their commitment to upholding legislation. They have indicated they will not provide further remarks on this specific matter as it is now under judicial purview.