ACMA Issues Formal Warnings to Unlicensed International Gambling Operators

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has recently issued formal warnings to three overseas gambling operators—SlotCatalog, Lucky Block, and Rooli—for breaching the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA).

These operators were found to be offering unlicensed gambling services with connections to Australian customers, in direct violation of the IGA, which aims to regulate foreign gambling services and safeguard Australians from unlicensed gambling content.

According to ACMA’s findings, SlotCatalog, represented by Mr. Fedir Havlovskyi, was facilitating access to unlicensed gambling platforms through linked content accessible to Australian users. “SlotCatalog was found to be aiding the unlicensed provision of these services,” concluded ACMA, issuing a warning to Mr. Havlovskyi for these infractions under the IGA.

Similarly, ACMA’s investigation determined that Igloo Ventures SRL, the company behind the Lucky Block brand, was offering online casino-style games and in-play betting services to Australian users without a proper license. The investigation found that Lucky Block had “actively offered these services to Australians,” thereby violating the licensing regulations mandated by the IGA.

Lastly, Dama N.V. and Strukin Limited, the companies behind Rooli, received a formal warning from ACMA after findings showed that Rooli was offering unlicensed casino games to Australian customers without local authorization, a breach of subsection 15(2A) of the IGA.

The ACMA’s warnings serve as a clear message to international gambling companies, reminding them that any gambling services offered to Australians must first secure the necessary licensing and approvals. 

By fLEXI tEAM