General
The State of Online Gambling Laws and Regulations in…
The Growth of Online Gambling in Australia
Online gambling has become more popular in Australia in recent years, with many punters choosing to place their bets online rather than at traditional brick and mortar casinos. Online gambling provides more convenience and ease of access, given how time-starved many Australians can be due to hectic work schedules.
This increased popularity in online gambling has led to new challenges in the monitoring and regulation of the industry in Australia. The Australian government has had to review and update regulations to cover the new digital landscape so as not to leave any loopholes that gambling operators can exploit to engage in illegal or unethical business practices. To enhance your knowledge of the topic, visit this suggested external resource. Inside, you’ll uncover supplementary details and fresh viewpoints to enhance your study. Aussie Online Casinos!
The Interactive Gambling Act 2001
In 2001, the Australian parliament passed the Interactive Gambling Act (IGA), which aimed to counter the increasing growth of online gambling within the country. The act prohibits Australian citizens from participating in any real money gambling activities, online or in-person, in case the gambling service is being offered by an ‘unregulated’ operator. The IGA also has measures prohibiting advertising of online gambling to Australian customers. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) are the enforcers of the IGA laws and are in charge of blocking unauthorized offshore websites in Australia.
However, Australian punters are free to gamble on legal operators regulated by the government like TAB, Sportsbet, and CrownBet, which have virtual versions of casino games like blackjack, slots, and poker. These online versions offer the same betting experience as the physical versions in the casinos.
The Ban on Online In-Play Betting
Australia’s federal authorities have banned the practice of online in-play betting, which allows punters to place bets during a match. Under the IGA, a game must have begun before any bets can be placed to avoid corruption or match-fixing, and also allowing punters time to reconsider their bets mid-game in case of unfair odds, cheating, or intervention from bookies.
Some Australian sports events are allowed to offer in-game betting but must be done over the phone or in person, compared to online in-play betting which operates like live-streamed odds, giving punters an unfair advantage.
The Future of Online Gambling Law in Australia
Despite the regulations in place, Australia is expected to see continued growth of the online gambling industry. It is not a question of whether the market will grow, but how it will grow, and whether regulations can keep up with the pace. Regulatory bodies are already playing catch-up with the fast pace of technological advancements, and industries can change within the blink of an eye.
Currently, the Australian Government is reviewing issues like community protection and harm reduction concerning online gambling services. These issues stretch from social to economic benefits, such as how the State will benefit from revenue schemes, to how individual users can be protected from gambling addiction. Australia needs to balance the economic benefits derived by its regulated operators, against the social responsibility it has to protect its vulnerable citizens. Aiming to delve further into the subject matter? Explore this thoughtfully chosen external source and discover worthwhile and supplementary details. Find more details in this valuable document, investigate and expand your knowledge!
The Australian government recognizes that technology and service delivery in the industry is still evolving, and will continue to change over the years. As such, the government will need agile legislation that adapts to the rapidly changing commercial environment and technological advancements. The government will engage with the public, online gambling operators, and regulators to extensively review the current gambling laws and regulations, and seek to address any loopholes that could jeopardize Australia’s objective to control gambling within its borders.
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