This week, Barry O’Farrell submitted his review of Australia’s gambling laws, offering advice and guidance on how to better regulate the market. The review could result in many changes, and local operators are eager to see whether or not it will have any effect on live online betting laws. Over the course of the past year, many local online bookmakers have come forward to demand the legalisation of in-play betting.

Currently, Australian gambling laws prohibit players from using gambling sites to bet on matches while they are in progress. Offshore bookmakers, on the other hand, continue to offer this service, so local bookmakers are losing out. Several local bookmakers have taken the review as an opportunity to finally have their voices heard. Companies like CrownBet have made submissions in support of the legalisation of in-play betting.

O’Farrell has given fair consideration to all submissions, so it will be interesting to see if the review will sway the federal government toward legalising in-play betting. “The gambling companies have strong views,” says Alan Tudge, Assistant Minister of Social Services.

“But we need to make decis­ions in the interest of all Australians, including ensuring that sports integrity is not compromised and that we don’t create even more gambling problems.” Some companies have found a loophole by allowing players to play online in-play bets. So long as players have their computer microphones switched on, they can place wagers on live games.

While the government has attempted to intervene, several bookmakers rely on this method. Others continue to hold out hope that live in-play betting will be legalised soon. The recent gambling review will certainly have a huge effect on Australia’s gaming laws. We will keep you updated as this story progresses.  

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.