New Crucial Changes in Australian Gambling to Take Effect by the End of 2023

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More responsible and healthier gambling seems to be the current trend in the industry, so authorities in many countries are working on stricter norms and restrictions in the legislation to regulate the gambling industry in this direction. The Australian government is among those willing to shift the situation in the betting and casino industry in the country. Thus, players from Australia and operators that work there might soon face crucial changes in the way gambling works in this country.

In 2021, the parliamentary committee recommended banning the use of credit cards in online gambling in a special report devoted to gambling behaviors. The Australian government decided to act and announced this major change in online gaming in Australia. So far, it is unknown when exactly this recommendation will be converted into law, but Communications Minister Michelle Rowland has said that it should be implemented by the end of this year.

The arguments behind this decision are quite straightforward. Around 20% of players use their credit cards to deposit money on their casino balances. This category is most susceptible to big losses, so the ban on credit cards for online gambling can help this category of players not to spend money they do not have. 

This decision was made after consultations with the banking industry, advocates, the wagering sector, and consumer groups. It will align online gambling with land-based on, as Australian players are not allowed to use credit cards when they place sports bets or play games on pokies at land-based operators. 

The mechanism of credit card blocking will be very similar to that used for land-based gambling. Bank identification numbers will be used to identify credit cards and block them so that players cannot use them at online gambling destinations. Lotteries will be excluded from the list of gaming activities, so it will be possible to use credit cards to buy lottery tickets. 

ABOUT GAMBLING IN AUSTRALIA

Australia is one of the biggest gambling markets with an annual revenue of over $50 billion. However, it is also the market with one of the largest losses per adult, which is $25 billion per year. 

Since 2018 the Australian government has begun to take action to promote responsible gambling in the country. New restrictions are implemented in accordance with the National Consumer Protection Framework for Online Wagering. Currently, nine regulations have already been introduced. A national self-exclusion system that should allow players with harmful gambling behaviors to exclude themselves from all online betting services should be implemented next. 

Moreover, welcome bonuses and special odds have been banned recently in South Wales.