In some gambling markets around the world, sportsbetting operators are allowed to block successful players from placing bets. However, this will not be the case in New South Wales, as a new law prohibits this practice. Racing NSW has introduced new guidelines in response to player complaints. Over the course of the year, several players filed complaints that their accounts had been blocked and suspended.

The players had not been able to access their accounts despite not having exhibited any suspicious or illegal activity. Their accounts had been blocked solely due to the fact that they are successful players. This is actually quite a common practice in the online gambling market. Online bookmakers often block accounts of player who have a history of placing successful bets and earning a great deal of money doing so.

Now, online bookmakers in NSW will no longer be able to practice this measure. “It is not fair to have wagering operators profit from punter losses but then bar or restrict successful punters in the amount they can wager on any one bet,” says Troy Grant, NSW’s Gaming Minister. “This is the same rule that applies to on-course bookies and maintains the integrity of thoroughbred racing.”

Under the new rules, bookmakers will not be able to refuse any wagers that pay out $1000 or less. Larger bookmakers have different rules, as they will no longer be able to refuse wagers that pay out $2000 or less. Fair gaming advocates across the country hope that the new rules will be implemented nationally. Prohibiting bookmakers from unfairly blocking account will protect the integrity of the local racing market.

“Hopefully it will be adopted Australia-wide over the next year,” says Richard Irvine of Fair Wagering. “Government support is a huge advantage and also gives the cause the credibility it deserves.”

About the Author

George Anderson
Author George, has over 25+ years’ experience in the Pokies and Casinos industry throughout Australia and New Zealand. Loves to research new Pokies games on the block and follows announcements from top industry providers about their upcoming releases. As soon as a new interesting pokie game appears on his radar, George is there to check it out and give you the scoop before anyone else and tell you about all casino sites where can play the latest game. Before this gig, George worked as Pokie game tester, making him an ideal candidate for this genre of work. He is also an animal lover and a proud owner of three dogs.