Australia's Federal Government has issued its response to former New South Wales Premier Barry O'Farrell's review into illegal offshore wagering, with its action plan to combat the issue drawing praise from Racing Australia.
The key legislative initiatives of the plan include establishing a national consumer protection framework to minimise problem gambling, including seeking to ban lines of credit for online wagering; consultation with banks and credit card providers to limit illegal offshore transactions; and consulting with internet service providers on options to reduce illegal offshore availability to Australian customers. The initiative also includes amending the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 to make it clear it is illegal for unlicensed overseas gambling companies to offer products to Australians if they are not licensed by a state or territory.
“The Government and Minister Alan Tudge have consulted and considered the many complex issues arising from the O'Farrell Report in the most comprehensive way since the Interactive Gambling Act was enacted in 2001” said Racing Australia Chairman John Messara. “We congratulate the Minister and Government for the decisive action taken to address
the growing integrity risks to racing posed by illegal offshore bookmakers. The legislative measures proposed by the Government are proportionate to the threat, and importantly provide security to Australian consumers who are often unable to distinguish between unregulated Asian operators and regulated operators.”
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