New Oz Bill threatens Offshore Online Gambling Sites

There’s nothing illegal about online gambling in Australia. I do it almost every day, whether it’s a few spins on the mobile pokies on my way to work, or a weekend of betting on my favorite footy matches. While the legal landscape isn’t exactly taking a nose dive, there could soon be some changes to the way we place our wagers.

Communications Minister Mich Fifield introduced a bill to parliament on Thursday aimed at corralling the activities of international online gambling sites. Operators would still be permitted to access the Australian market (which is actually more than they’re allowed to do now – technically speaking), but they would have to adhere to the same regulations imposed on Australian-based operators.

Formally known as the Interactive Gambling Amendment bill 2016, Fifield’s legislation specifically targets online sports betting sites. In the last year or so, many of these operators managed to circumvent the gambling laws of Australia by integrating a service known as “Click to Call” on their mobile live betting apps.

According to the laws, sports bets may only be placed in person or over the phone. The ‘Click to Call’ option allows punters to place their wagers on a mobile sports betting app, then click a button to initiate a pre-recorded call in which they can simply press another button to confirm the bet.

While that’s not what the country intended to permit, the current terminology of the law doesn’t prohibit it either. Fifield’s Interactive Gambling Amendment would alter the text to put a stop to ‘Click to Call’ via online sports betting.

Intl Online Gambling Ops Add to Harm

Human Services Minister Alan Tudge supports the new bill under the belief that it will help stymie problem gambling in the country. “Currently hundreds of illegal gambling services are easily accessible on the internet and we know that people are more likely to get into trouble online,” he said. “2.7% of interactive gamblers are problem gamblers compared to 0.9% of all gamblers.”

Many of the gambling laws of Australia have been scripted to minimize harm from gambling, and Tudge said it’s time offshore operators abide by those laws, or face the consequences.

“We expect online wagering providers to meet community expectations. The tougher laws will seriously disrupt illegal offshore providers from acting unscrupulously or targeting vulnerable Australians,” he said.

“The government is committed to taking tougher action against illegal offshore wagering providers and this bill does exactly that,” concluded Tudge.

Warnings and Penalties For Non Compliance

If passed, the online gambling bill would require all offshore operators who accept Australians to meet certain criteria and standards. Those who fail to do so would officially become punishable by law.

The bill gives the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) the power to distribute warnings and infringement notices to operators in who are violation of the new law, as well as civil penalties and injunctions to those who disregard compliance notices.

The ACMA would also be provided the necessary authority the disclose information to international regulators in respect to permissible and prohibited gambling services in Australia.

It Didn’t Work Last Time…

With the bill having been submitted to parliament less than 24 hours ago, it’s not clear yet just how much support it might garner. It’s worth noting, however, that this bill is making its second circulation through the Senate. It was originally introduced in November 2015, where it lapsed at propogation and dissolution of over the following months.