Australia to close in-play loophole amid wider gambling crackdown

The Australian government has pledged to maintain the country’s ban on online in-play wagering and introduce legislation to close loopholes which has enabled online operators such as William Hill and Ladbrokes to offer in-running betting.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s administration today released its long-awaited response to the federal Review of Illegal Offshore Wagering and announced its commitment to strengthen the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.

Under the Act, Australian operators are prohibited from accepting online bets during live sports events and can only accept in-play wagers placed in person or over the phone.

However, a number of operators, including William Hill and Ladbrokes, have sought to negate the ban by launching live betting services which enable customers to place bets online so long as their device’s microphone has been activated.

“The Government considers ‘click-to-call’ in-play betting services are breaching the provisions and intent of the Interactive Gambling Act,” a statement by Alan Tudge, Human Services Minister, read.

“The Government will therefore introduce legislation to clarify the Act as soon as possible,” he added.

The decision will come as a disappointment to many operators, including William Hill which earlier this year ramped up the marketing of its in-play product and reported a 297% hike in in-play wagers during the Australian Open.

And in a statement today the Australian Wagering Council (AWC), which represents some of the country’s biggest bookmakers, slammed the decision to maintain the “archaic” in-play prohibition and close loopholes.

“Australian customers want to be able to access wagering products in the same way as they do other services and the development and use of ‘click to call’ facilities have responded to that demand,” Ian Fletcher, chief executive of the AWC, said.

“The combined effect of attempting to ban click to call technology and maintaining a prohibition on online in-play betting will ensure wagering by Australians with illegal offshore operators will increase,” Fletcher added.

The government also revealed plans to introduce a range of new measures designed to crackdown on offshore operators and increase consumer protection, including a national self-exclusion register and a ban on online operators offering lines of credit.

In addition, Minister Tudge said the government would give more powers to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) to penalise companies which facilitate unlicensed offshore websites and consult with stakeholders on voluntary ISP and payment blocking.

The news was welcomed by Australian operator Tabcorp, which had previously been critical of in-play products. The firm also praised plans to introduce a national framework within the next 12 months to reduce problem gambling.

“The Government has addressed a number of areas to provide better protection for consumers and the community and to start creating a more level playing field for wagering operators in Australia,” David Attenborough, Tabcorp chief executive, said.