Australia Restricts Two iGaming Options

New laws in Australia have left many Aussies disappointed, as top international iGaming operators start withdrawing from the territory. According to the senate the regulation of certain online gaming options is long overdue, with potential criminal activity looming in the presence of certain online realms.

These new changes to Australian gambling law have seen many premium providers withdrawing from the country, leaving Aussies with lesser-known smaller providers. The state is convinced that these new alternatives will afford Australian citizens with better protection against criminal activity in an online world.

Not all citizens are convinced though as it’s been noted by many disappointed players that the entire world is online, and it would be extremely difficult to shut these avenues down all together.

The Legislation Change

The Interactive Gambling Amendment Bill 2016 was passed and gambling in Australia will never be the same. The new bill is part of the IGA 2001 and subcategories under new legislation to improve player safety in an unsecured online world.

Under the new legislation Australian citizens are strictly prevented from participating in two iGaming options and other options known as in play/live betting and online poker games. These new changes have been put into the legislation and these two options are illegal in Australia at the moment.

No Live Betting

This change in Australia’s new gambling laws will only affect sports bettors who opt for sports betting options over and above traditional casino betting. Under the law punters cannot bet in play or live any longer.

In play or live betting options afford punters with the opportunity to place bets on a sporting event while the event is being played in real time. Unlike traditional bets, live bets range in bet types because the game changes dynamically so bets adapt accordingly. NZ casinos online are still legal and can offer players a safe and fair gaming experience.

No Online Poker Play

Under the new gambling legislation bill all online poker games are prohibited. This means that no Australian citizen can access a game of online poker legally. 

Online poker has long been a topic of controversy as the game allows for certain loopholes, which makes money laundering possible in many instances. The crack down on this type of online game is also said to prevent players from potential threats.

The new bill that is now official and part of Australian law has seen some top international brands withdrawing from the country.

International Brands Retreat

The online bingo operator Vera & John were the first international gaming operator to withdraw their devices from Australia in December 2016. They announced their plans shortly after the new bill was proposed. Their cancellation was immediate and player deposits/services in Australia were blocked within a week.

Vera & John was just the beginning of top poker brands and other reputable gaming providers leaving the Australian market. Shortly after the announcement many companies followed suite. Brands such as 888poker, 32Red, partypoker and PokerStars all withdrew from the Australian market leaving Aussies with no legal options for online poker play.