ACMA’s Crackdown on Illegal Online Gambling: Targeting Dama N.V. and Softswiss

Australian Communications and Media Authority’s Actions Against Illegal Online Gambling

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has significantly increased its efforts to tackle illegal online gambling platforms, particularly those violating the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. Recently, ACMA identified 75 websites for internet service providers to block. This report examines ACMA’s recent actions against unlawful casino operations, especially those associated with Dama N.V. and Softswiss.

Involvement of Softswiss and Associated Entities

SoftSwiss and its related entities, including CoinsPaid, AlphaPo, Merkeleon, and Dream Finance, have been implicated in various allegations concerning money laundering, sanctions evasion, and fraudulent activities. Key individuals involved in these issues include Ivan Montik, Max Krupyshev, Pavel Kashuba, Dmitry Yaikov, Maksim Trafimovich, Roland Yakovlevich Isaev, and Paata Gamgoneishvili.

Key Insights

• Ongoing Enforcement: Since November 2019, ACMA has blocked 1,059 websites, frequently citing Dama N.V. in its reports.
• Recent Actions: Between October and December 2024, ACMA issued blocking orders for multiple illegal gambling sites.
• Regulatory Framework: The Interactive Gambling Act 2001 prohibits unlicensed online casino-style games for Australian users.
• Impact on Operators: More than 220 illegal services have withdrawn from the Australian market since ACMA implemented new regulations in 2017.

Context of Rabidi and Softswiss

While not directly mentioned in the ACMA report, the connections to known illegal operators are significant:

• Rabidi N.V.: This now-defunct operator based in Curacao was part of a network of illegal online casinos, similar to those currently under ACMA’s investigation.
• Dama N.V.: Another Curacao-based operator within the Softswiss group, likely engaged in illegal activities akin to those of Rabidi.
• Softswiss Group: FinTelegram has previously identified the ultimate beneficial owners behind Softswiss and its illegal gambling operations, including:
  • Ivan Montik (originally from Belarus)
  • Roland Isaev (from Russia)
  • Paata Gamgoneishvili (from Russia)

Implications

• Regulatory Pressure: ACMA’s actions indicate increasing pressure on illegal operators, which may affect entities like Dama N.V. and others within the Softswiss network.
• Consumer Protection: The blocking of these websites aims to protect Australian consumers from unregulated and potentially harmful gambling services.
• Market Withdrawal: The significant number of operators exiting the Australian market suggests that regulatory actions are producing tangible results.

Conclusion

ACMA’s relentless pursuit of illegal online gambling reflects a broader global trend in regulatory enforcement. The measures taken against various operators highlight the risks associated with entities like Dama N.V. and the wider Softswiss group. As regulatory scrutiny intensifies, operators linked to known illegal activities are likely to face increasing challenges in maintaining their operations in regulated markets such as Australia.