Australia introduces bill to crackdown on offshore operators
Unlicensed firms could face new fines as government also considers launching a national self-exclusion register
New legislation to combat Australia’s offshore gambling industry was introduced into Parliament today as the federal government continues to crackdown on unlicensed operators.
The Interactive Gambling Amendment Bill 2016 was unveiled by Minister for Human Services, Alan Tudge, and aims to clarify rules requiring operators targeting Australian customers to hold a local licence.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) will be given new powers to enforce the law, including handing out infringement notices, injunctions and fines of up to AU$1.35m (£0.84m) per day for individuals and $6.75m (£4.2m) for companies.
Federal and local government ministers also plan to meet at the end of the month to discuss launching a national self-exclusion register and a prohibition of lines of credit offered be operators.
“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,” Minister Tudge said today.
“The tougher laws will seriously disrupt illegal offshore providers from acting unscrupulously or targeting vulnerable Australians.
“The Government committed to taking tougher actions against illegal offshore wagering providers and this bill does exactly that.”
The bill, which is an amendment to the country’s Interactive Gambling Act 2001, also includes a previously reported nationwide prohibition on âclick-to-call’ in-play betting products.
Tudge said the legislation was part of a three-pronged government approach to gambling, which could also see the launch of a new National Consumer Protection Framework (NCPF).