The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has intensified its efforts to combat illegal online gambling platforms, particularly those breaching the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. Recently, the authority identified 75 websites for internet service providers to block. This report analyzes ACMA’s recent actions against unlawful casino operations, especially those connected to Dama N.V. and Softswiss.
SoftSwiss and its associated entities, including CoinsPaid, AlphaPo, Merkeleon, and Dream Finance, have been implicated in various allegations related to money laundering, sanctions evasion, and fraudulent activities. Key individuals involved in these issues include Ivan Montik, Max Krupyshev, Pavel Kashuba, Dmitry Yaikov, Maksim Trafimovich, Roland Yakovlevich Isaev, and Paata Gamgoneishvili.
Key Insights
| Finding | Details |
|---|---|
| Ongoing Enforcement | Since November 2019, ACMA has blocked 1,059 websites, frequently citing Dama N.V. in its reports. |
| Recent Actions | Between October and December 2024, ACMA issued blocking orders for multiple illegal gambling sites. |
| Regulatory Framework | The Interactive Gambling Act 2001 prohibits unlicensed online casino-style games for Australian users. |
| Impact on Operators | More than 220 illegal services have withdrawn from the Australian market since ACMA implemented new regulations in 2017. |
Context of Rabidi and Softswiss
While not directly mentioned in the ACMA report, the connections to known illegal operators are significant:
- Rabidi N.V.: This now-defunct operator based in Curacao was part of a network of illegal online casinos, akin to those currently under ACMA’s investigation.
- Dama N.V.: Another Curacao-based operator within the Softswiss group, likely engaged in illegal activities similar to those of Rabidi.
- Softswiss Group: FinTelegram has previously identified the ultimate beneficial owners behind Softswiss and its illegal gambling operations:
- Ivan Montik (originally from Belarus)
- Roland Isaev (from Russia)
- Paata Gamgoneishvili (from Russia)
Implications
- Regulatory Pressure: ACMA’s actions signify growing pressure on illegal operators, which may impact entities like Dama N.V. and others within the Softswiss network.
- Consumer Protection: The blocking of these websites aims to safeguard Australian consumers from unregulated and potentially harmful gambling services.
- Market Withdrawal: The substantial number of operators exiting the Australian market indicates that regulatory actions are yielding tangible results.
Conclusion
ACMA’s unwavering pursuit of illegal online gambling reflects a broader global trend in regulatory enforcement. The measures taken against various operators underscore the risks associated with entities like Dama N.V. and the broader Softswiss group. As regulatory scrutiny heightens, operators linked to known illegal activities are likely to encounter increasing difficulties in sustaining their operations in regulated markets such as Australia.