The Australian government has approved legislation that will essentially outlaw all internet gambling, despite significant opposition from Australian players.
Formally known as the Interactive Gambling Amendment Bill 2016, this legislation modernizes a 2001 statute and represents the government’s reaction to a 2015 study on illicit offshore wagering.
This updated legislation, which takes effect in four weeks, prohibits all virtual casinos and poker websites. Although the government discussed preventing internet service providers from granting access to platforms targeting Australians, local news sources indicate that this will not occur in the near future.
Just before the House of Representatives approved the measure, the Senate actually conducted a hearing on Australians participating in online poker. They listened to the perspectives of players and other individuals engaged in the poker community who desired poker to be excluded from the prohibition.
Congressman David Leyonhjelm has consistently championed internet poker, asserting it’s a game of ability and merits distinct consideration from traditional casino offerings. He contends it should be excluded from any prohibitions and envisions a controlled sector with safeguards for users and revenue generation, as opposed to an absolute prohibition.
Regrettably, his appeals have been met with indifference. Numerous providers opted to withdraw from the Australian market proactively, even prior to the implementation of the revised legislation. Prominent entities such as PokerStars, 888poker, 32red, and Gaming Innovation Group all ceased their services for Australian participants.