Australian Online Casino Regulation Pushed by Betfair
Australia continues to struggle to find a workable and responsible method for addressing online casino operations. After failing to find a prohibitory means for blocking Internet gambling, the country's Productivity Commission is considering turning to licensing and regulation, a plan strongly advanced by online casino operator Betfair.Australia passed its Interactive Gambling Act in 2001, establishing a ban on Internet casinos and poker rooms. But, as has been the case worldwide, the block has proved unenforceable.
Australian leaders began working toward a plan to censor the Internet to prevent the reception of "unwanted content," such as online gaming and pornography. But the plan imploded, rejected by Internet providers, civil liberty guardians, and even anti-gambling crusader Senator Nick Xenophon.
Betfair is urging that the commission recommend a regulating framework for licensed online gambling sites, saying that over $300 million leaves the country untaxed each year under current law.
"Furthermore, players are gambling in a largely unregulated environment, with little protection offered to players in terms of fraud, security or harm minimization. The ban on offering interactive gaming to Australians has had very little effect on curtailing the enormous growth of that sector of the market in Australia," says Betfair's submission to the commission, noting the unsolved problem of protecting the public.
Betfair also made remark on Australia's allowing of online sports gambling, which forbids in-play wagering. The company asserts there is no increased danger from betting during a match, but not permitting it sends the revenue elsewhere.
