Summary
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has ramped up its initiatives to address illegal online gambling platforms, focusing on those violating the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. Recently, the authority flagged 75 websites to internet service providers for blocking. This report examines ACMA’s latest measures against unlawful casino operations, particularly those associated with Dama N.V. and Softswiss.
SoftSwiss and its related entities, such as CoinsPaid, AlphaPo, Merkeleon, and Dream Finance, have faced numerous allegations concerning money laundering, evasion of sanctions, and fraudulent practices. Prominent figures involved in these controversies 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| Impact on Operators | More than 220 illegal services have withdrawn from the Australian market since ACMA implemented new regulations in 2017.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
Although not explicitly mentioned in the ACMA report, the ties to known illegal operators are noteworthy:
- Rabidi N.V.: This now-defunct operator based in Curacao was part of a network of illegal online casinos, similar to those currently under ACMA’s scrutiny.
- Dama N.V.: Another Curacao-based operator within the Softswiss group, likely involved 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 indicate increasing pressure on illegal operators, which may affect entities like Dama N.V. and others within the Softswiss network.
- Consumer Protection: The blocking of these websites aims to protect Australian consumers from unregulated and potentially harmful gambling services.
- Market Withdrawal: The significant number of operators leaving the Australian market suggests that regulatory actions are producing concrete outcomes.
Conclusion
ACMA’s relentless pursuit of illegal online gambling reflects a broader global trend in regulatory enforcement. The actions taken against various operators highlight the risks associated with entities like Dama N.V. and the wider Softswiss group. As regulatory scrutiny intensifies, operators linked to known illegal activities are likely to face increasing challenges in maintaining their operations in regulated markets such as Australia.
