South Australian politicians are dubious of online gambling sites offering credit to players. Reforms to the local gambling law have been proposed, which could result in significant changes to the local online gaming market. South Australia’s Independent Gambling Authority (IGA) has proposed regulatory changes for the SA Gambling Code of Practice.
This would ensure that casino operators would only offers players credit after a thorough due diligence process. It would also require operators to process withdrawals immediately. Any companies that breach the proposed new regulations would be fined up to $100 00.
“In some cases, account holders are offering credit ranging from $200 to the tens of thousands [of dollars] with no consideration given to the person’s circumstances, their capacity to repay or their well-being,” says Gail Gago, Minister for Business Services and Consumers.
She wants to ensure that operators do not offer credit and incentives to players who may eventually experience harm because of them – such as at-risk players, problem gamblers and low-income individuals. The new regulations would require operators to pay more attention to whom they are offering credit, so that only players who would ultimately benefit from this practice would be given the chance to receive credit.
There are 19 licensed gambling operators in South Australia. Over 74 000 players across the country are signed up to these sites, so the regulatory changes will have a significant impact on the gaming market in the state. Gambling operators in South Australia have been given 28 days to comment on the proposed changes. After the changes are approved, they may take effect as soon as January 2016.
This story is likely to develop very quickly, as local operators speak out on the issue of gaming regulation reform. We will keep you posted on any updates as they arise.
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