ACMA issues request for two illegal online operators to be blocked
Curaçao-based Hollycorn NV in the regulator’s scope once again following several of the operator’s sites being blocked in 2024
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has issued blocking orders against two online casino sites run by Curaçao-based Hollycorn NV in the regulator’s latest fight back against the operator.
Following an investigation into the company, the ACMA found Crown Slots and Billy Billion to be in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 for offering online casino content in Australia.
Both Crown Slots and Billy Billion are operated by Hollycorn, which holds a licence from the Curaçao Gaming Control Board that is valid through to July 2025.
Last year, the ACMA told Australian internet service providers to block Hollycorn’s other live sites in the shape of John Vegas Casino, Richard Casino and Casino Bello.
In a statement, the media regulator reminded players to check if online operators were licensed to operate in Australia via its register.
The ACMA said: “The ACMA is reminding consumers that even if a service looks legitimate, it’s unlikely to have important customer protections. This means Australians who use illegal gambling services risk losing their money.”
Since the ACMA made its first blocking request in November 2019, 1,178 illegal operator and affiliate websites have been blocked.
An additional 220 ‘illegal services’ have pulled out of the regulated Australian market since the ACMA enforced new illegal igaming regulations in 2017.
Last month, the regulator issued a request to ISPs to block eight illegal websites, including a host of brands with ultimate links to Curaçao.
Those rulings came after a similar request in November last year, when the ACMA asked for seven illegal gambling websites to be barred from the market.
Last month, the ACMA found TV network Foxtel to be in breach of advertising regulations after it showed a gambling ad without the sufficient responsible gambling messaging.