Aus gambling review to focus on illegal operators
In-play and gaming not mentioned as part of upcoming review led by former New South Wales Premier
A federal review into Australia’s online gambling laws will focus on cracking down on the growth of illegal offshore operators, the minister for social services Scott Morrison announced today, dampening hopes that the consultation would assess the feasibility of in-play betting.
The investigation will be spearheaded by the former premier of New South Wales Barry O’Farrell who will consult with various industry stakeholders and government departments to assess the overall impact of offshore wagering.
According to Morrison, wagering via unlicensed websites from outside Australia now accounts for 60% of the total AU$1.6bn (£730m) online gambling market and consists of approximately 2,000 websites beyond regulatory control.
“[Many companies] are now moving offshore leading to operators being able to avoid paying the product and other fees that assist with funding racing and sports facilities, integrity measures, prize money and participant payments and other operational costs,” Morrison said.
Last week eGaming Review reported a review into Australia’s online gambling framework was under consideration, including the possibility of investigating removing restrictions around in-play betting and the ban on online casino.
However, today’s announcement did not make specific references to the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 or the liberalisation of in-play and casino, a move criticised by senator Nick Xenophon who has called for a more comprehensive review.
Sydney-based gaming lawyer Jamie Nettleton said he hoped the review would expand beyond its focus on offshore wagering operators. “Now that there is a review, there is no limit to the matters that may be raised with the Review,” he said.
“Indeed, I anticipate that the practices of offshore wagering operators will be only one of the issues that will be raised – submitting parties will look at other issues relating to the Interactive Gambling Act and indeed online gambling in general,” Nettleton added.
Recommendations of the report will be given to the minister of social services and the minister of communications by 18 December 2015.