The Land Down Under has implemented a ban on internet poker and wagering on live athletic competitions.
This measure, deemed debatable by a significant portion of the population, originates from a modification to the nation’s gaming regulations enacted in 2016. The alteration was driven by apprehensions regarding foreign gambling entities targeting Australian citizens and sought to grant the government increased authority over internet gambling activities.
Although a number of traditional lawmakers endorsed the action, others, such as Senator David Leyonhjelm, denounced it as superfluous and unproductive. Leyonhjelm contended that the preexisting 2001 legislation, while designed to safeguard minors from online gambling, was already replete with exceptions. He highlighted the paradoxical nature of the circumstances, noting that while Australians possess numerous avenues to engage in poker at casinos and in tournaments, online participation was being specifically targeted and prohibited. He stressed that online poker is a worldwide trend, and Australia was lagging behind the times.
Even with a virtual private network or an overseas account, participation is still possible,” someone contested, underscoring the illogical nature of the circumstances. The legislation also prohibits real-time wagering on athletic contests, purportedly to diminish game manipulation, but detractors like Leon Yearms contend that these alterations actually produce the contrary outcome: “In the United Kingdom, there are authorized providers of in-play betting on matches, and the government levies taxes on them. In the preceding year, they procured hundreds of millions of pounds in income. They can also scrutinize wagers, connect dubious sporting occurrences and actions, and monitor the movement of finances.”
Prominent entities like 888poker and Vera&John have already terminated operations in Australia, with Pokerstars anticipated to emulate shortly. These operators, they assert, are reluctant to function in “unlawful or ambiguous zones.” It is probable that the majority of other gaming enterprises will soon follow suit.
During Amaya’s third-quarter earnings conference, CFO Daniel Sebag cautioned investors that the corporation is also contemplating withdrawing from the Australian market: “In Australia, we presently provide poker and are evaluating the relevance of the proposed legislation to player-versus-player games of skill. Currently, it seems probable that, should the legislation be enacted, we would preclude players situated in Australia from partaking.”
