News

ACMA warns NovaForge for unlicensed gambling

The regulator determined that NovaForge contravened two key provisions of the IGA.

· 3 min read
Share this article
Follow us on Google
AI Summary
Sign in to listen
ACMA issues warning
Key Points
ACMA has issued a formal warning to NovaForge for providing unlicensed and prohibited gambling services to Australian customers
The investigation found casino-style and in-play betting products offered without the required Australian licence
The action aligns with ongoing ACMA enforcement efforts targeting offshore and unregulated operators

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has issued a formal warning to NovaForge after determining the operator breached multiple provisions of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA).

The warning, dated 7 October 2025, follows an investigation into four online services - Spinsy, Cashed, Spinight and King Maker - which were accessible to users in Australia.

According to ACMA, the platforms offered casino-style games and betting services, including in-play wagering, and were available through a series of offshore domains.

Under the IGA, providing prohibited interactive gambling services with an Australian customer link is unlawful, and operators offering regulated wagering products must hold an Australian state or territory licence.

The investigation found that NovaForge's services met the definition of interactive gambling services, were delivered via the internet and accepted customers physically located in Australia.

The company is not licensed domestically, leading the regulator to conclude that it had offered both prohibited gambling services and unlicensed regulated services in contravention of subsections 15(2A) and 15AA(3).

The authority maintains that unlicensed platforms present heightened risks for consumers, including potential non-payment of winnings and limited recourse in the event of disputes.

The regulator has encouraged consumers to report suspicious gambling websites and to verify operator status before engaging with online services.

The formal warning is part of a broader enforcement trend. ACMA's recent quarterly compliance report highlighted continued action against offshore operators, including investigations, site blocks and additional warnings.

Good to know

Providing or advertising unlicensed interactive gambling services to Australians is prohibited under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001

Reaction Board

News Analysis

View All
The new kings of US election donations

The new kings of US election donations: AI, crypto and sports betting

During this year's US midterm election cycle, corporate donations reached a record of $648m, with crypto, AI and online betting companies accounting for $344m.

6 min read • • By Patrick Fasolis
Alina Mihaela Popa Interview

Alina Mihaela Popa: Three techniques that make a flagship product

Iconic21's Chief Commercial Officer discusses how to grow an iGaming franchise.

4 min read • • By Will Underwood
SiGMA World Themes: AI, Crypto and more

SiGMA World preview: AI, crypto and the event's biggest themes

Experts from all over the world and across the whole industry will gather in November to discuss some of the biggest topics in gambling.

5 min read • • By Patrick Fasolis

In The News

View All