The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has issued formal warnings to two offshore operators, Hollycorn NV and Stellar, for breaches of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA). The regulator found that both companies offered prohibited gambling services to Australian customers without the required authorisation.

An ACMA investigation confirmed that Hollycorn NV, through its Slot Mafia platform at slotmafia.com, made casino-style games of chance and mixed chance and skill available to customers residing in Australia. The regulator determined this contravened subsection 15(2A) of the IGA, which prohibits offering such services without proper licensing.

The operator has received a prior warning in May 2025 for contraventions involving its Neospin platform, which offered unlicensed services to Australian players. A month earlier, in April 2025, the company was also cautioned for the same platform.

Stellar Caught Operating Spinanga Without Licence

The ACMA also confirmed that Stellar breached subsections 15(2A) and 15AA(3) of the IGA. Investigators found that the company’s Spinanga service, hosted at spinanga4894.com/au, was offering prohibited gambling services alongside regulated wagering products. Under Australian law, wagering can only be provided with a licence issued by a state or territory regulator, and Stellar held no such authorisation.

Both services were deemed accessible to Australians, creating what the IGA defines as an “Australian-customer link.” This establishes jurisdiction and confirms that the offshore companies’ actions fall under the scope of Australian legislation.

Enforcement Options and Consequences

The ACMA stressed that offering prohibited or unlicensed gambling services to Australians is a civil penalty contravention. Formal warnings are one of several enforcement measures available. Depending on the severity and persistence of breaches, the regulator can escalate its response to include civil penalties and injunctions.

Non-compliant operators may face financial penalties and loss of access to the Australian market. Service blocking also remains a key tool for cutting off offshore providers that continue targeting Australian players.

A Clear Message to Offshore Operators

The regulator’s latest actions highlight its commitment to enforcing the Interactive Gambling Act and protecting consumers from unregulated gambling services. ACMA has repeatedly stated that offshore operators must comply with the country’s law if they intend to target Australian players.

ACMA is sending a clear signal to the industry with its formal warnings to Hollycorn NV and Stellar. The authority will monitor, investigate, and sanction companies offering unlicensed services to Australians. They encourage players to use only locally licensed platforms, guaranteeing consumer protections and responsible gambling measures.