Australia Implements Credit Card Gambling Ban to Protect Players

A significant development took place earlier this week as Australia’s credit card gambling ban came into effect, aiming to further enhance player protection and promote responsible gambling across the country.

Australia, like many other nations, has a rich and intricate gambling history. The first regulated gambling activity in Australia was horse racing, introduced in the early 1800s. This was followed by the establishment of a national lottery in 1916 and the introduction of the first slot machines in the 1950s. The opening of Australia’s first casino in 1973 marked a significant milestone, offering games like roulette, blackjack, and baccarat.

Since the 1970s, the gambling industry has undergone substantial changes. The advent of online gambling has revolutionized the sector, significantly altering player behavior and preferences. In response, authorities have had to swiftly amend regulations and legislation to keep pace with these changes.

In 2001, Australia enacted The Interactive Gambling Act to specifically address and regulate online gambling. The recent credit card gambling ban represents the government’s effort to update this legislation in response to evolving player behavior.

The Australian parliament proposed the credit card gambling ban in 2023. The bill passed in November and was sent to the senate for final approval. Authorities then introduced a six-month transition period to allow operators to adapt to the new regulations with minimal disruption.

With the transition period now complete, the ban is in effect, prohibiting the use of credit cards for gambling across the country. While credit cards were already banned in land-based casinos, this prohibition now extends to nearly all forms of online gambling. However, keno and lottery games remain exceptions to this rule and can still be played using credit cards.

Operators found violating the new regulations may face penalties of up to $154,978. The updated legislation also grants authorities new enforcement powers, enabling them to impose fines and ensure compliance.

The credit card gambling ban is the latest in a series of measures taken by Australia to protect vulnerable players and mitigate gambling-related harm. In 2023, Australia introduced a pre-verification system for iGaming operators, requiring them to verify the identity of new players before they can access online gambling products and services.

Additionally, a national self-exclusion register was launched last year, allowing problem gamblers to voluntarily exclude themselves from gambling activities. New rules also mandate specific safer gambling messaging that operators must follow.

The implementation of the Australian credit card gambling ban signifies the government’s commitment to responsible gambling. By introducing this ban, the government aims to prevent gambling-related harm and ensure player protection. Operators must now review and update their systems to comply with the new regulations, as non-compliance could result in significant fines.

Source: “Australian Credit Card Gambling Ban Rolls Out“. Vivo Gaming. June 12, 2024.