Australia Bans Online Gambling Sites
The Australian legislative body approved legislation that will essentially prohibit internet-based wagering nationwide, despite encountering substantial resistance from numerous Australian gamblers.
This legislation, designated as the Interactive Gaming Modification Act of 2016, alters the Interactive Gambling Act of 2001 and constitutes a reaction to suggestions put forth in the 2015 Assessment of Unlawful Offshore Betting in Australia.
Under this revised statute, all virtual casinos and poker platforms will be barred from functioning within Australia. The statute will take effect within a month. Nevertheless, local news sources indicate that strategies to prevent unauthorized operators from providing internet services to Australian gamblers will not be executed as swiftly.
The endorsement of the legislation in the upper chamber of the Australian Parliament arrives merely a week following the Senate Environment and Communications References Committee conducting a session on “Australians Engaging in Wagers Online” where Australian internet poker enthusiasts and other interested individuals were invited to provide evidence. These stakeholders implored the government to exclude poker from the online wagering prohibition.
Throughout the session, poker players and other pertinent parties were questioned about their stance on whether online poker should be prohibited and, if not, their reasoning.
For years, Senator Leyonhjelm has strongly advocated for internet poker. He contends that it’s a skill-based activity, distinct from casino offerings, and should be treated differently regarding gaming regulations. He favors a controlled online environment within Australia, allowing government taxation and oversight of the sector.
Sadly, his message appears to be falling on deaf ears. Industry giants such as PokerStars, 888poker, 32red, and Gaming Innovation Group have already withdrawn from the Australian market, opting out rather than navigate the ambiguous landscape. Consequently, Australian enthusiasts are left without access to these platforms.