Quick Answer
Slots Plus online casino is owned and operated by Andalar Holdings Ltd, a company registered in Cyprus. The casino is licensed under the jurisdiction of Curaçao (License No. 365/JAZ). However, for Australian players, the most critical detail is that Slots Plus is not licensed or regulated by any Australian authority. This means it operates outside the legal framework of the Interactive Gambling Act 1997 (IGA), which prohibits unlicensed offshore casinos from offering real-money gambling services to Australian residents. While the casino may accept Australian players, it does so in a legal grey area—and the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) actively blocks such sites.
Detailed Ownership and Corporate Structure
Slots Plus is part of a larger network of online casinos operated by Andalar Holdings Ltd. The company’s registered address is in Limassol, Cyprus, and it uses a Curaçao eGaming license to legally offer its services internationally. Key points about the ownership structure include:
- Parent Entity: Andalar Holdings Ltd (Cyprus company registration number HE 358545).
- Licensing Body: Curaçao eGaming (License #365/JAZ). This is a common offshore license for casinos targeting markets like Australia, but it offers minimal player protection compared to Australian or UK regulators.
- Operational History: Slots Plus has been active since approximately 2017, with a focus on slot games, table games, and live dealer options. It is part of a group that also operates other brands like “Casino Plus” and “Vegas Plus.”
- Payment Processing: The casino uses third-party payment processors based in Europe and Asia, which means deposits and withdrawals may incur international fees and longer processing times for Australian players.
It is important to note that the ownership of Slots Plus is not publicly transparent beyond the corporate registration. The actual beneficial owners (individuals behind Andalar Holdings) are not disclosed, which is typical for Curaçao-licensed casinos. This lack of transparency is a key concern for Australian players under the IGA, as it makes dispute resolution difficult.
Australian Legal Context: The Interactive Gambling Act 1997 (IGA)
The IGA 1997 explicitly prohibits Australian-based companies from offering online casino games (like slots, roulette, or blackjack) to residents. However, it does not criminalize individual players for using offshore casinos. Instead, the law empowers the ACMA to block unlicensed offshore gambling sites. As of 2024, the ACMA has blocked over 1,000 illegal gambling websites, including many operated by Curaçao-licensed entities. Slots Plus has not been officially blocked as of this writing, but it remains in a high-risk category because:
- It is not licensed by any Australian state or territory regulator (e.g., the Northern Territory Racing Commission or the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation).
- It does not adhere to Australian consumer protection laws, such as mandatory pre-commitment limits or self-exclusion schemes (e.g., BetStop).
- It may use aggressive marketing tactics (e.g., free spins, deposit bonuses) that would be illegal under the IGA if offered by an Australian operator.
For Australian players, using Slots Plus means you are not protected by Australian law if disputes arise (e.g., withheld winnings, unfair terms). The Curaçao license offers limited recourse, and the Cyprus-based ownership makes legal action costly and complex.
Player Protection and Responsible Gambling
Slots Plus claims to promote responsible gambling through tools like deposit limits and self-exclusion, but these are not enforceable under Australian law. Key risks for Australian players include:
- No access to BetStop: The Australian National Self-Exclusion Register (BetStop) does not cover offshore casinos. If you self-exclude from Slots Plus, it is only a voluntary agreement with the casino, not a legally binding order.
- Unregulated bonuses: Welcome bonuses and promotions may have hidden wagering requirements (e.g., 40x-60x playthrough) that are not subject to Australian fair-trade laws.
- Data privacy: Andalar Holdings Ltd is not bound by the Australian Privacy Act 1988, meaning your personal and financial data may be handled with lower security standards.
- Withdrawal issues: Australian players often report delays in withdrawals from Curaçao-licensed casinos, and Slots Plus is no exception. The casino’s terms allow for up to 7-10 business days for processing, but actual delays can be longer.
Under the IGA, the ACMA can request that Australian internet service providers (ISPs) block Slots Plus at any time. If this happens, you could lose access to your account and funds without immediate recourse.
Key Takeaways for Australian Players
- Ownership: Slots Plus is owned by Andalar Holdings Ltd (Cyprus), licensed in Curaçao—not by any Australian entity.
- Legal Status in Australia: The casino operates in a legal grey area under the IGA 1997. It is not illegal for you to play, but the operator is breaking Australian law by offering real-money games to residents without a license.
- Player Protection: You have no Australian regulatory oversight. Disputes must be resolved through Curaçao’s eGaming authority, which has a poor track record for consumer protection.
- Blocking Risk: The ACMA may block Slots Plus at any time, potentially disrupting your access to funds.
- Recommendation: If you choose to play at offshore casinos like Slots Plus, do so with the understanding that you are entirely responsible for your own legal and financial protection. Always verify the casino’s license on the Curaçao eGaming website and read the terms and conditions carefully—especially regarding withdrawal limits and bonus wagering.
For a safer experience, consider that the only fully regulated online gambling options for Australians are sports betting and race wagering (via licensed bookmakers like those under the Northern Territory or New South Wales regulators). Online casino games (slots, blackjack, roulette) remain illegal for Australian-based operators, so any offshore casino—including Slots Plus—carries inherent risks.