Australia’s ACMA cracks down on unlicensed offshore gambling operators targeting consumers

Australia is turning up the heat on offshore gambling firms targeting its market. The ACMA has issued a series of formal warnings against online casino and betting platforms that offered unlicensed services to Australians—violating the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. As a regulation specialist in the gambling industry, I see this move as a defining moment. Operators can no longer assume safe harbour by simply being offshore. The rules apply. Here’s what you need to know: the how, the why, and what it means for operators, regulators and consumers. Key Points

• The Interactive Gambling Act 2001 makes it illegal to provide certain online gambling services to people physically in Australia.
• Australia’s ACMA has blocked over 995 illegal offshore gambling and affiliate websites since 2019 under its enforcement regime.
• Warnings recently targeted operators based in jurisdictions like Curaçao, the Netherlands and the Comoros Islands for offering casino-style games and in-play betting.
• Specific operators cited include Hollycorn N.V. (Crown Gold casino), NovaForge Ltd (Playzilla & Spins of Glory), LBC Enterprises (LuckyBet) and Stellar Ltd (Malina Casino).
• The ACMA warns that breaches may lead to blocking orders, penalties and referral of directors to the Australian Border Force.

Australia’s ACMA Issues Stark Warnings to Offshore Gamble Ops as Unlicensed Targeting Flashpoint

In my opinion, the recent wave of formal warnings from the ACMA reflects a maturation of Australia’s regulatory response to a long-standing problem: offshore gambling services targeting Australian consumers without licence or oversight.

What the Law Requires

Under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001, it is an offence to provide prohibited interactive gambling services to individuals in Australia—such as online casinos, in-play betting or regulated services lacking a valid Australian licence. Licensed providers must hold state or territory authorisation plus abide by consumer-protection obligations.

What’s Happening Offshore

The ACMA’s recent enforcement activity shows that offshore operators remain major players. They may lack local licence slice, but still pursue Australian customers via geo-targeting or lack of geoblocking. For example:

• Hollycorn N.V.’s “Crown Gold” casino offered casino-style games without Australian authorisation.
• NovaForge Ltd ran Playzilla and Spins of Glory, offering both casino games and in-play betting.
• LBC Enterprises (LuckyBet) and Stellar Ltd (Malina Casino) also received warnings for similar conduct.

This pattern highlights two core risks: lack of consumer protections for Australian players, and regulatory leakage—where offshore operators escape compliance costs and oversight yet compete in the local market. Enforcement Tools & Strategy My perspective is that ACMA uses a layered enforcement model:

1. Formal warnings signal intent and raise awareness.
2. Website blocking via internet service providers (ISPs) under telecommunications laws. ARIA now lists 995+ sites blocked.
3. Referrals and penalties for persistent breaches, including cross-border co-ordination with other regulators.

Crucially, the regulator emphasises that even if an offshore service appears legitimate, it might not include required consumer protections, redress mechanisms or local oversight.

What This Means for Operators & Regulators

From my professional lens, the implications are significant:

• Operators must treat “Australia targeting” as high-risk. Mere availability in AU markets without authorised licensing or geoblocking is no longer sufficient.
• Compliance architecture matters globally. Firms must invest in geo-controls, licensing checks, affiliate-monitoring and marketing compliance.
• Regulated operators gain credibility. As offshore services withdraw or are blocked, licensed businesses may capture more market share if they emphasise reliability and safety.
• Regulators must cooperate internationally. Australia’s use of blocking and referral shows the need for cross-jurisdictional intelligence sharing.

Consumers should verify licensing. The ACMA register exists for a reason. Using unlicensed services carries high risk of loss without recourse.

My Analytical View

In my view, I believe the ACMA’s recent warnings mark a shift from reactive enforcement to proactive deterrence. Earlier interventions focused on website blocking; now the signals are broader: naming specific offenders, pointing to multiple jurisdictions and making public statements about consumer harm. For offshore operators, this means “business as usual” is no longer viable if you serve Australian players. The costs of non-compliance—both reputational and regulatory—are increasing. For licensed operators, I see an opportunity. The shrinking pool of offshore competitors may open doors for growth, but only if licensed operators emphasise safe, compliant, transparent service. Australia’s ACMA has ramped up formal warnings against offshore gambling operators offering unlicensed casino and betting services to Australians. The enforcement activity underscores that the interactive-gambling regime under the Interactive Gambling Act is active and participates in global compliance. From my vantage, this is a turning point: global gambling operators must regard Australia not as a light-touch market but as one with evolving, robust enforcement. Licensed operators, meanwhile, should sharpen their credentials and build trust. Ultimately, in the regulated online gaming sphere, compliance, integrity and geofencing are not optional—they’re essential. Tags: ACMA, IllegalGamblingAustralia, OnlineCasinoBan, OffshoreSportsBetting, InteractiveGamblingAct

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