The Rise of Online Gambling in Australia
Online gambling has been on the rise in Australia in recent years. It is estimated that there are about 5,000 illegal offshore gambling websites that offer their services to Australians. Many of these websites lure customers in with attractive offers and bonuses, but some of these sites are rogue operators that do not comply with Australian laws and regulations.
The Legality of Online Gambling in Australia
The Commonwealth Parliament of Australia passed the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA) to regulate and prohibit online gambling activities in the country. The IGA prohibits Australian-based companies from offering online gambling services to Australians, but it does not explicitly prohibit offshore gambling websites from offering services to Australians.
However, the IGA does prohibit offshore gambling websites from offering certain online gambling services, such as online poker and in-play betting, which is betting on live sports events. This means that Australians can legally gamble on offshore gambling websites, but they can only access certain types of services.
Impact of the IGA on Online Gambling in Australia
The IGA has had a significant impact on the Australian online gambling industry. The number of licensed online gambling operators in Australia has decreased since the IGA was introduced, as many operators chose to exit the Australian market rather than comply with the regulations.
However, the IGA has not been very effective in stopping Australians from gambling on offshore gambling websites. In a 2016 review of the IGA, the Australian government found that the international online gambling market had grown significantly since the IGA was introduced and that Australians were still using offshore gambling websites despite the regulations.
Changes to Online Gambling Regulations in Australia
In 2017, the Australian government announced that it would be amending the IGA to strengthen its provisions and close loopholes. The amendments would include a prohibition on offshore gambling websites from offering services to Australians unless they have acquired an Australian license.
The amendments also included measures to prevent problem gambling, such as a voluntary pre-commitment scheme that would allow gamblers to set betting limits on their accounts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the legality of online gambling in Australia is a complex issue. While the IGA prohibits Australian-based companies from offering online gambling services to Australians, it does not prohibit offshore gambling websites from offering services to Australians. However, the IGA does prohibit offshore gambling websites from offering certain types of services, and the Australian government is planning to strengthen the regulations to close loopholes and prevent problem gambling. Access this external site to expand your knowledge of the subject. Explore this detailed article.
Australians who choose to gamble on offshore gambling websites should be aware of the risks involved, and should only use reputable and safe websites. It is also important for individuals to gamble responsibly and to seek help if they have developed a gambling problem.
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