Australian Federal Parliament Enacts Legislation Prohibiting Online Credit Card Betting
Today, the Australian Federal Parliament has passed legislation banning the use of credit cards for online wagering, a move welcomed by Responsible Wagering Australia (RWA) and its members.
Kai Cantwell, CEO of RWA, expressed support for the measure, emphasizing its importance in safeguarding customers and their families. Cantwell stated, “This is an important measure to protect customers and their loved ones, making it easier for people to stay in control of their own gambling behaviour. It will complement the existing offering of safer gambling account management tools by RWA members to customers to help them stay in control of their betting.”
However, Cantwell also raised concerns about certain exemptions in the legislation. He noted, “It is disappointing to see that other forms of gambling such as lotteries and keno have been exempted from the ban, especially when lotteries are the most prevalent form of gambling in Australia and are commonly accessed by people in low-socioeconomic communities.”
RWA has been actively engaged in collaboration with the Federal Government and financial services since 2021 to advocate for the implementation of this credit card ban. In October 2023, RWA participated in GambleAware Week alongside NSW, promoting awareness of support services and responsible betting habits. Additionally, the association has voiced concerns over illegal offshore operators, highlighting their evasion of Australian laws, taxes, and consumer protection measures.
This legislative development addresses ongoing challenges in Australia regarding unlicensed online wagering services, which have had adverse effects on tax revenue and consumer protection. In a related action, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) recently issued a formal warning to Best Bookies’ Price Pty Ltd for operating an unlicensed online wagering service.
