ACMA’s Ongoing Battle Against Illegal Online Gambling Dama N.V. and Softswiss
Overview
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has intensified its efforts to combat illegal online gambling websites, particularly targeting operators that breach the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. Recently, the regulator reported 75 websites to internet service providers for blocking. This analysis delves into ACMA’s recent actions against illegal casino operations, especially those linked to Dama N.V. and Softswiss.
SoftSwiss and its associated entities, including CoinsPaid, AlphaPo, Merkeleon, and Dream Finance, are no strangers to allegations of money laundering, sanction evasion, and fraudulent activities. Key individuals, such as Ivan Montik, Max Krupyshev, Pavel Kashuba, Dmitry Yaikov, Maksim Trafimovich, Roland Yakovlevich Isaev, and Paata Gamgoneishvili, are at the center of these controversies.
Key Findings
| Finding | Details |
|---|---|
| Ongoing Enforcement | ACMA has blocked 1,059 sites since November 2019, frequently mentioning Dama N.V. in reports. |
| Recent Actions | From October to December 2024, ACMA issued blocking orders for several illegal gambling websites. |
| Regulatory Framework | The Interactive Gambling Act 2001 prohibits unlicensed online casino-style games for Australian customers. |
| Impact on Operators | Over 220 illegal services have exited the Australian market since ACMA enforced new rules in 2017. |
Context of Rabidi and Softswiss
While not directly referenced in the ACMA report, the connections to known illegal operators are significant:
- Rabidi N.V.: This defunct Curacao-based operator was part of a network of illegal online casinos, similar to those currently targeted by ACMA.
- Dama N.V.: Another Curacao-based operator within the Softswiss group, likely engaging in illegal activities akin to Rabidi.
- Softswiss Group: FinTelegram has previously identified the ultimate beneficial owners behind Softswiss and its illegal gambling operations:
- Ivan Montik (Belarusian-born)
- Roland Isaev (Russian)
- Paata Gamgoneishvili (Russian)
Implications
- Regulatory Pressure: ACMA’s actions signify mounting pressure on illegal operators, potentially impacting entities like Dama N.V. and others within the Softswiss network.
- Consumer Protection: The blocking of these websites aims to safeguard Australian consumers from unregulated and potentially harmful gambling services.
- Market Withdrawal: The substantial number of operators exiting the Australian market indicates that regulatory actions are yielding tangible results.
Conclusion
ACMA’s persistent efforts to tackle illegal online gambling reflect a global trend in regulatory enforcement. The actions against various operators underscore the risks associated with entities like Dama N.V. and the broader Softswiss group. As regulatory scrutiny heightens, operators linked to known illegal schemes face increasing difficulties in sustaining their presence in regulated markets like Australia.