Legislation approved last year to ban credit cards for online gambling has gone into effect
Australia’s ban on using credit cards for online gambling recently went into effect, forcing players to use other methods to participate in sports betting and casino games.
The Australian Parliament passed legislation in 2023 to amend the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 and eliminate the use of credit cards for online gambling, which is in line with the law enforced at retail casinos throughout the country.
Online providers failing to comply with the new rules, which also ban digital currency and credit-related products, could be subject to penalties of up to AUD234,750 (US$154,841) in fines. The Australian Communications and Media Authority has been tasked with enforcing penalties under the existing and new regulations.
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland issued a statement regarding the new legislation, “Australians should not be gambling with money they do not have. Last year, the Albanese Labor Government committed to banning credit cards for online wagering – and we’ve delivered. Our commitment to ensuring that gambling takes place within a robust legislative framework with strong consumer protections remains steadfast, and we will have more to announce in due course,” she added.
Members of Responsible Wagering Australia, which includes Betfair, bet365, Entain, Sportsbet, Pointsbet, and Unibet, are in favor of the new rules but believe the ban should also be expanded to include keno and lottery games.
The group highlighted that it has collaborated with the financial services sector and the Australian government since 2021 to execute the ban. “This is an important measure to protect customers, making it easier for people to stay in control of their own gambling behavior,” said RWA CEO Kai Cantwell. “If consumer protection measures aren’t consistent across all forms of gambling, it will incentivise vulnerable Australians to move to less-regulated types of gambling, where they are more at risk of harm.”
Emma Rodriguez is the Proofreader at the Big Blind, with seven years of experience and five years in online gambling. She plays a crucial role in maintaining content quality by ensuring error-free, reader-friendly information about the gambling industry.
