Overview
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has intensified its efforts to combat illegal online gambling websites, particularly targeting operators that violate the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. Recently, the regulator reported 75 websites to internet service providers for blocking. This report examines ACMA’s recent actions in relation to known illegal casino operations, especially those linked to Dama N.V. and Softswiss. The operation is orchestrated by international criminals from Russia and Belarus, including notable figures such as Roland Yakovlevich Isaev, Paata Gamgoneishvili, Ivan Montik, Pavel Kashuba, Maksim Trafimovich, Andrey Starovoitov, and Dmitry Yaikov.
Key Findings
ACMA has been actively engaged in blocking illegal gambling websites, having blocked a total of 1,059 sites since November 2019. The latest ACMA report frequently mentions Dama N.V. and its various illegal online casinos. Between October and December 2024, ACMA issued blocking orders for several gambling websites that were operating unlawfully in Australia. The Interactive Gambling Act 2001 explicitly prohibits unlicensed online casino-style games, including pokies and table games, for Australian customers. Since the enforcement of new regulations began in 2017, more than 220 illegal services have exited the Australian market.
Context of Rabidi and Softswiss
Although Rabidi and Softswiss are not directly referenced in the ACMA report, their connections to known illegal operators are significant. Rabidi N.V., a defunct operator based in Curacao, was part of a network of illegal online casinos, and its operations resemble those currently being targeted by ACMA. Dama N.V., another operator based in Curacao and part of the Softswiss group, is likely engaging in similar illegal activities as Rabidi. The Softswiss Group has been previously exposed by FinTelegram, which identified the ultimate beneficial owners behind its illegal gambling operations, including Ivan Montik from Belarus, Roland Isaev from Russia, and Paata Gamgoneishvili, also from Russia.
Implications
ACMA’s actions indicate a growing regulatory pressure on illegal operators, which could impact entities such as Dama N.V. and others within the Softswiss network. The blocking of these websites is intended to safeguard Australian consumers from unregulated and potentially harmful gambling services. The substantial number of operators withdrawing from the Australian market suggests that regulatory measures are effectively influencing the landscape.
Conclusion
ACMA’s persistent efforts to address illegal online gambling reflect a broader trend in regulatory enforcement worldwide. The actions taken against various operators underscore the risks associated with entities like Dama N.V. and the wider Softswiss group. As regulatory scrutiny increases, operators linked to known illegal schemes are likely to face greater difficulties in sustaining their operations in regulated markets like Australia.
Report Illegal Casino Activities
FinTelegram urges insiders and victims to report any activities related to illegal casinos, gambling operations, and associated money laundering schemes. This call to action aims to combat financial crime and protect consumers within the online gambling sector.
