ACMA Cracks Down on Illegal Offshore Gambling Targeting Australia
ACMA Warns Offshore Gambling Operators
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has issued warnings to several offshore gambling companies. These operators are running illegal gambling services that specifically focus on Australian players without proper authorization.
Unlicensed Gambling Operators and Prohibited Activities
ACMA has highlighted that these companies lack local Australian licenses, making it illegal for them to offer gambling products to residents. Additionally, some of these operators provide online casino games, a type of gambling explicitly banned under Australian law.
Targeting Operators Without Australian Licenses
Many of the offending websites are registered in jurisdictions such as the Comoros Islands and Curacao. While they hold licenses from these locations, this does not grant them the right to legally operate within Australia.
Specific companies named include Hollycorn NV, which runs Crown Gold Casino; NovaForge Ltd, operating the Playzilla and Spins of Glory sites; and LBC Enterprises, known for the LuckyBet platform. These businesses have been providing gambling and betting services to Australians without approved licenses, violating local regulations.
Other identified operators include Ridley Media, managing Joe Fortune, and Stellar Ltd, behind Malina Casino. ACMA has demanded these companies immediately halt their activities within Australia and comply with legal requirements.
Potential Regulatory Actions and Challenges with Curacao Licenses
If these operators fail to take corrective measures, ACMA warns that it will escalate enforcement efforts, including imposing harsher penalties. The authority might work with Curacao’s regulatory body, which has recently strengthened its licensing standards, to tackle these issues.
Despite this, some operators are leaving Curacao and moving to newer jurisdictions where licensing is less rigorous. These regions often issue licenses that hold little credibility and are not aligned with local gambling laws, allowing companies to continue operating globally without proper oversight.
