Notwithstanding significant opposition from numerous Australian gamers, the Australian Senate endorsed legislation enacting a comprehensive prohibition on internet gambling.
Formally known as the Interactive Gambling Amendment Bill 2016, this new legislation revises the Interactive Gambling Act of 2001. It represents the Australian government’s reaction to the conclusions of the 2015 assessment concerning the consequences of illicit offshore wagering.
Under this revised legislation, all virtual casinos and poker platforms will be deemed unlawful within Australia. The law is slated to take effect within a month. However, local news sources suggest that strategies to prevent internet service providers from furnishing services to unauthorized operators will not be implemented promptly.
Just seven days prior to the House of Representatives’ passage of the bill, the Senate Environment and Communications References Committee convened a hearing on “Australians’ involvement with online poker.” Australian online poker enthusiasts and other interested parties were invited to provide testimony. They seized this occasion to advocate for the exclusion of poker from the online gambling prohibition.
Throughout the hearing, poker players and other pertinent individuals were questioned about their stance on whether online poker should be prohibited and, if not, their rationale.
A strong supporter of internet poker, Senator David Leyonhjelm, maintains that it’s a skill-based activity, unlike casino offerings, and deserves exemption from any prohibitions. He has also advocated for a controlled online environment with safeguards for users and tax revenue, as opposed to a complete ban.
Despite his efforts, many providers appear to have disregarded his pleas, opting to withdraw from the market proactively. Industry giants such as PokerStars, 888poker, 32red, and Gaming Innovation Group have already departed the Australian online poker landscape, ceasing to accept participants from the nation.
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