The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) recently issued formal warnings to two unlicensed offshore operators, CoinPoker and Casiny, for providing illegal gambling services to Australian users without permission. CoinPoker, operated by Precise IG Solutions BV, allows players to gamble using cryptocurrencies, which violates the Interactive Gambling Act of 2001. This act explicitly prohibits providing unauthorized gambling services to Australian residents, regardless of the currency used.
Similarly, Casiny's operator, Dama NV, was also found to be accepting bets from Australian customers without a license, constituting the same illegal activity. ACMA's investigation confirmed that both companies provided prohibited interactive gambling services to the Australian market.
The regulatory body has ordered both operators to immediately cease offering services to Australian users and warned that if violations continue, it will consider taking stricter enforcement actions, including blocking internet service providers (ISP) and collaborating with international regulatory bodies for accountability.
It is worth mentioning that ACMA had issued a similar warning to Dama NV earlier this year. This action is part of the agency's broader strategy to protect Australian consumers from unlicensed online gambling platforms. The regulatory authority has also taken action against social media influencers promoting illegal gambling.
ACMA reiterates that all gambling operators targeting the Australian market, regardless of their location or the technology used, must comply with Australian licensing and regulatory requirements.
