ACMA Issues Formal Warnings to Offshore Gambling Operators in Latest Enforcement Move

Key Moments:

  • Australia’s communications regulator has warned four companies for providing illegal gambling services to Australians.
  • Some operators, such as Stellar Ltd., have previously faced regulatory action for unlicensed activity.
  • The ACMA emphasized that consumer protections are lacking on unlicensed platforms and is considering stronger enforcement steps.

Regulator Targets Unlicensed Online Operators

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has formally warned four companies for supplying illegal online gambling services to Australian users, citing serious violations of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. The organizations named were Digibrite S.R.L. (operator of The Pokies), Just Entertainment B.V. (operator of Lucky Ones7), Stellar Ltd. (operator of Spinit), and Hollycorn N.V. (operator of Slot Lounge).

According to the ACMA, these entities offered gambling products to Australians without fulfilling national licensing requirements. Under the law, providing unlicensed online casino, slot machine, or sports betting services to Australians is prohibited.

The watchdog underscored that because these services lack mandatory Australian consumer protections, they endanger the regulated market and expose users to increased risk. Continued non-compliance may prompt the regulator to request internet service providers (ISPs) to block access to these platforms.

History of Regulatory Action Against Offenders

Several of the named companies have previously faced disciplinary measures. In August 2025, Stellar Ltd. received a warning for the same kind of violation involving its Spinit brand. The Authority reaffirmed that operating without proper licensure constitutes a major breach and stated its intent to maintain close scrutiny of gambling operators.

While the latest notices stop short of ordering immediate site blocks, ACMA signaled that website blocking remains integral to its compliance efforts. Since November 2019, the regulator reports that more than 1,000 gambling and affiliate websites have been blocked at its request.

The agency claims that since 2017, over 220 offshore gambling businesses have withdrawn from the Australian market. The ACMA maintains that these enforcement efforts center on consumer protection, stating, “Even if a service appears legitimate, it is unlikely to offer the consumer protections required under Australian law,” and encouraging players to verify licensing before using gambling platforms.

Continued Commitment to Enforcement

The regulator reiterated its determination to pursue unlicensed operators and warned against targeting Australian players without the necessary approvals. According to authorities, illegal gambling sites may contribute to risky betting behavior, circumvent responsible gambling tools, and leave consumers vulnerable to fraud.

“Providing unlicenced gambling services is a serious breach of Australian law,” the Authority said. “We will continue to take steps to disrupt these services and protect consumers.”

Fact-Checking and Misinformation Oversight

Alongside gambling enforcement, the ACMA reported a decline in fact-checking intensity under Australia’s misinformation code. Its fourth review of the Australian Code of Practice on Disinformation and Misinformation highlighted both gains and setbacks in fighting harmful digital content. The industry has begun developing standards for labeling and tracking digital materials, aiming to help users more reliably confirm their origin and authenticity.

OperatorPlatformStatus
Digibrite S.R.L.The PokiesReceived ACMA Warning
Just Entertainment B.V.Lucky Ones7Received ACMA Warning
Stellar Ltd.SpinitRepeat Violation, Received Warning
Hollycorn N.V.Slot LoungeReceived ACMA Warning
  • Author

Daniel Williams

Daniel Williams has started his writing career as a freelance author at a local paper media. After working there for a couple of years and writing on various topics, he found his interest for the gambling industry.
Daniel Williams
Casino Guardian covers the latest news and events in the casino industry. Here you can also find extensive guides for roulette, slots, blackjack, video poker, and all live casino games as well as reviews of the most trusted UK online casinos and their mobile casino apps.

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