Key points:
- ACMA issued warnings to SlotCatalog, Lucky Block and Rooli for violating the Interactive Gambling Act
- The three entities provided casino games and betting services with an Australian customer link without the required licences
- The regulations aim to safeguard Australian consumers from prohibited offshore gambling services
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has recently issued formal warnings to three international gambling service providers – SlotCatalog, Lucky Block and Rooli – for violations of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA).
Each operator was found to have offered unlicensed gambling services with an Australian customer link, contravening sections of the IGA aimed at regulating offshore gambling activities and protecting Australian consumers from prohibited gambling content.
ACMA’s investigation determined that SlotCatalog, represented by Mr. Fedir Havlovskyi, facilitated access to unlicensed gambling services. By promoting links to casino-style gambling platforms accessible to Australian users, SlotCatalog was found to be aiding the unlicensed provision of these services.
Consequently, the ACMA issued a warning to Mr. Havlovskyi for violations of the IGA.
Similarly, Igloo Ventures SRL, operator of the Lucky Block brand, received a warning after ACMA concluded that its online casino-style games and in-play betting services had an Australian customer link without a valid licence.
The findings highlighted that Lucky Block actively offered these services to Australians, contravening the IGA’s licensing requirements.
Lastly, Dama N.V. and Strukin Limited, operating as Rooli, were issued a formal warning after the ACMA investigation revealed that Rooli provided unlicensed casino games accessible to Australian customers.
ACMA confirmed that Rooli operated without local authorisation, breaching subsection 15(2A) of the IGA.
The warnings serve as a reminder to foreign-based gambling entities that they must secure appropriate licensing before offering services to Australians.
