For years, local gaming operators have been saying that the Australian Interactive Gambling Act (IGA) 2001 is outdated. Recently, the government has announced that it will remedy the issue by conducting a review of the Act – and, it will be completed by the end of the year. Scott Morrison, Minister of Social Services, announced that the review will be an inquiry into the IGA 2001 and all current online gaming laws.
The review will be led by Barry O’Farrell, the former Premier of New South Wales. One of the major focuses of the review will be on unlicensed gambling operators. Morrison states that they collect about 60% of online wagers from Australian players, cutting into the profits of local operators. They also do not pay taxes to the local government nor are they obligated to adhere to local gambling laws.
“Illegal offshore wagering also leaves Australian punters without protection for pay-outs on their winnings,” Morrison says. The review will take a look at online gambling laws from countries around the world. Examining countries like the United Kingdom, France and Italy will provide Australian authorities with an idea of how to effective regulate online gaming in a way that benefits operators, players and the country at large.
Australian gambling operators welcome the review; however, they are sceptical about the resultant amendments. Matt Trip, chief executive of Crown Bet, states that further regulation is the way forward, but he fears that lawmakers will prioritise prohibition initiatives. “Any push to wind back in-play gambling will send punters to offshore and illegal sites,” he says.
“A well regulated market place where everyone understands the rules is essential for the government and the industry to protect vulnerable gamblers. We are seeking platform neutrality.” The IGA 2001 review will be conducted over the course of the next four months. We will keep you updated with further developments.
About the Author
