Australian Regulator Warns International Gambling Operators for Unlicensed Services
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has issued formal warnings to three foreign-based gambling providers – SlotCatalog, Lucky Block, and Rooli – for breaching the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA). These companies were found to offer unlicensed gambling services with links to Australian customers, violating ACMA’s strict guidelines.
ACMA Enforces Compliance with Interactive Gambling Act
The ACMA recently intensified its crackdown on unlicensed offshore gambling operators, issuing warnings to SlotCatalog, Lucky Block, and Rooli for providing unlicensed services to Australian users.
The IGA, established to protect Australian consumers, mandates that offshore gambling services must secure proper licensing to operate legally within the country.
SlotCatalog’s Violation and Formal Warning
SlotCatalog, represented by Mr. Fedir Havlovskyi, was found in violation of the IGA for facilitating Australian users’ access to unlicensed gambling services.
According to the ACMA, SlotCatalog promoted links to online casino-style platforms without the necessary authorization.
As a result, Mr. Havlovskyi received an official warning for these breaches, underscoring the regulator’s zero-tolerance approach to unlicensed gambling promotion in Australia.
Lucky Block’s Unlicensed Services and ACMA’s Response
Igloo Ventures SRL, the company behind Lucky Block, also received a formal warning from the ACMA.
The investigation determined that Lucky Block’s casino-style games and in-play betting services targeted Australian customers despite lacking a valid Australian gambling license.
By directly marketing these services to Australian players, Lucky Block was deemed to be in breach of the IGA’s strict licensing requirements.
Rooli’s Unauthorized Operations and ACMA Action
The ACMA investigation further identified that Rooli, operated by Dama N.V. and Strukin Limited, provided unlicensed casino games to Australian customers.
The platform’s services, offered without proper authorization, led to an official warning under subsection 15(2A) of the IGA. ACMA’s findings reinforced the requirement for foreign operators to comply with Australian licensing laws when catering to local users.
