The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) recently issued formal warnings to two online gambling operators registered in Curaçao, accusing them of violating the Australian Interactive Gambling Act (IGA) of 2001 by providing unauthorized gambling services to Australian customers.
The two companies that received the warnings are Hollycorn N.V. (which operates the Neospin platform) and Dama N.V. (which operates Spirit Casino). ACMA pointed out that both companies have not obtained a legal gambling license from any Australian state or territory, yet they have opened their services to local users, constituting a violation of the law.
In the investigation of Neospin, ACMA found that the platform allowed Australian users to engage in interactive gambling, including in-play betting. This investigation began on February 24, 2025, and a formal warning was issued on April 16. According to section 15AA(3) of the IGA, unless holding a local license, providing such regulated services to Australian customers is explicitly prohibited.
The other platform involved, Spirit Casino, operated by Dama N.V., became the subject of investigation starting January 2025 and received a warning on March 26. ACMA determined that the platform offered gambling games including roulette and slot machines through its website spiritcasino.com, violating the provisions of section 15(2A) of the IGA.
This enforcement action is part of ACMA's ongoing efforts in 2025 to strengthen the crackdown on illegal offshore gambling operations. In just the first quarter, ACMA completed 22 investigations, all confirming violations, and submitted 61 requests to Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to block illegal gambling websites. Additionally, several operators also received formal warning letters.
ACMA emphasizes that any interactive gambling service not legally authorized in Australia must not be made available to Australian users, otherwise, they will face ongoing investigations, website blocking, and even legal accountability.
