Australia is struggling to keep pace with other markets when it comes to online gambling regulation. In particular, the country is lagging behind other jurisdictions in curbing online gambling advertising and reducing gambling harm, according to new research from the Alliance for Gambling Reform.
Online Gambling Reform Long Overdue
Weak government regulation in Australia means customers and vulnerable people, especially children, and communities in general, are not protected enough from gambling harm. A major overhaul of the country’s gambling laws is long overdue, with other nations, such as Italy, Spain, Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands already implementing “sensible reforms” that put public interest at the forefront of harm minimization efforts, the study says.
The Alliance for Gambling Reform published its research as the government awaits the final report from a parliamentary inquiry into online gambling and the effectiveness of current laws in reducing gambling harm.
Govt. Should Develop National Strategy to Reduce Gambling Harm
Carol Bennett, Chief Executive of the Alliance for Gambling Reform, said Australia is now playing catch-up in terms of online gambling reform. New measures aimed at minimizing harm, such as a ban on the use of credit cards for online gambling, and the self-exclusion scheme have yet to be implemented.
Bennett said the government needs to develop a national strategy that would address gambling-related harm and it must be done as a matter of urgency.