The Sydney Morning Herald reports
Corporate bookmakers have dumped their long-time opposition to banning punters from using credit cards for online betting as federal parliament considers making further substantial gambling law reforms.
Australia’s major online wagering operators, including Sportsbet, Ladbrokes and bet365, have pledged to support new measures that will pave the way to bring internet betting laws in line with those that govern casinos, TAB outlets and gaming lounges and already ban cash advances from nearby ATMs.
Corporate bookmakers have dumped their long-time opposition to banning punters from using credit cards for online betting as federal parliament considers making further substantial gambling law reforms.
Australia’s major online wagering operators, including Sportsbet, Ladbrokes and bet365, have pledged to support new measures that will pave the way to bring internet betting laws in line with those that govern casinos, TAB outlets and gaming lounges and already ban cash advances from nearby ATMs.
Responsible Wagering Australia members have agreed to develop a technical solution to deliver this reform and have sought the assistance of Australia’s major banks and payment processing providers to ensure the changes can be delivered without adverse unintended consequences.
The body has long resisted any ban arguing there was no compelling evidence to indicate a direct link between the use of credit cards across online betting platforms and the incidence of problem gambling.
Those opposed to the change also argued that removing consumers’ ability to use credit cards would provide a competitive advantage to illegal overseas gambling websites that openly flout Australian law and offer high-risk online pokies and casinos, and other products that are prohibited in Australia.
Federal Liberal MP Andrew Wallace has led a push from within the Morrison government for a ban on gamblers using credit cards online, arguing the problem is compounded by high-interest rates and a high chance of loss that was deeply problematic for families.
