Government Inquiry Opens into Online Gambling in Australia
A parliamentary committee in Australia has launched an investigation to learn more about online gambling and its connection to problem gambling. Clarity regarding internet gambling and its effects on those with gambling addictions will helped by this House of Representatives Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs.
The committee’s chair, MP Peta Murphy, stated that the investigation will concentrate on internet gambling and whether present consumer protections, laws, and support and education initiatives are sufficient to lessen harm to gamblers.
MP Peta Murphy stated, “We’re just trying to look out for the little person.” “It’s crucial to ensure that everyone protected, especially as online gaming services gain popularity.”
By 11 November 2022, the Committee wishes to hear from people and groups about their suggestions related to some or all of the inquiry’s terms of reference. Submissions in writing should be no longer than ten pages.
The following will examined by the Committee:
- The effectiveness of current consumer protections intended to reduce problem gambling on the internet;
- How to more effectively target programmes to deal with online problem gambling to lessen the possibility of exploiting at-risk persons and safeguard people, families, and communities;
- The success rate of the present counselling and assistance programmes for problem gambling over the internet;
- The calibre and availability of educational programmes protecting against internet gambling;
- The influence of present online gambling licencing and regulatory policies on the success of consumer protection and harm reduction initiatives;
- The suitability of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (Cth) definition of “gambling service” and whether it needs to amended to include new gambling-related activities such simulated gambling in video games (such as “loot boxes” and social casino games);
- The suitability of current gambling laws in light of new products, payment methods, and technologies;
- The efficacy of measures to prevent access to unlawful internet gambling, including casino-style games like online blackjack and slots;
- The success of current gambling advertising regulations in preventing children from being exposed to gambling-related goods and services (such as the promotion of betting odds during live sporting events), taking into account the effects of social media advertising, sponsorship or branding from authorised online gambling operators, and any other relevant issues.
The inquiry website will have further material, including published contributions and hearing transcripts.
