The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has intensified its crackdown on illegal online gambling websites, targeting operators that violate the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. Recently, the regulator reported 75 websites to internet service providers for blocking. This report delves into ACMA’s recent actions, particularly in relation to known illegal casino schemes linked to Dama N.V. and SoftSwiss.
Key Findings
- Ongoing Enforcement: ACMA has been relentless in its efforts to block illegal gambling websites, successfully shutting down 1,059 sites since November 2019. The latest ACMA report frequently mentions Dama N.V. and its numerous illegal online casinos.
- Recent Actions: Between October and December 2024, ACMA issued blocking orders for several gambling websites operating unlawfully in Australia, reinforcing its commitment to regulatory enforcement.
- Regulatory Framework: The Interactive Gambling Act 2001 explicitly prohibits unlicensed online casino-style games, including pokies and table games, for Australian customers, establishing a clear legal framework for enforcement.
- Impact on Operators: Since ACMA began enforcing new regulations in 2017, over 220 illegal services have withdrawn from the Australian market, indicating the effectiveness of the regulator’s actions.
Context of Rabidi and SoftSwiss
The ACMA has issued several formal warnings against Dama N.V., highlighting its connection to known illegal operators:
- Rabidi N.V.: This now-defunct Curacao-based operator was part of a network of illegal online casinos, with operations that closely resemble those currently under ACMA’s scrutiny.
- Dama N.V.: Another Curacao-based operator within the SoftSwiss group, likely engaging in similar illegal activities as Rabidi.
- SoftSwiss Group: SoftSwiss and its illegal gambling schemes, including:
- Ivan Montik (Belarusian-born)
- Roland Isaev (Russian)
- Paata Gamgoneishvili (Russian)
Implications
- Regulatory Pressure: ACMA’s actions signify mounting pressure on illegal operators, which could significantly impact entities like Dama N.V. and others within the SoftSwiss network.
- Consumer Protection: The blocking of these websites is aimed at safeguarding Australian consumers from unregulated and potentially harmful gambling services, ensuring a safer online environment.
- Market Withdrawal: The substantial number of operators exiting the Australian market suggests that regulatory actions are yielding tangible results, reinforcing the authority’s effectiveness.
Conclusion
ACMA’s ongoing efforts to combat illegal online gambling align with global trends in regulatory enforcement. The actions taken against various operators underscore the risks associated with entities like Dama N.V. and the broader SoftSwiss group. As regulatory scrutiny intensifies, operators connected to known illegal schemes face increasing challenges in maintaining their foothold in regulated markets like Australia.