Gambling Legislation Victoria

On 30 November 2017 and 6 March 2018, the Victorian Parliament passed the Gambling Regulation Amendment (Gaming Machine Arrangements) Act 2017 (GMA Act) and the Gambling Legislation Amendment Act 2018 (GLA Act) respectively. These Acts amend the Gambling Regulation Act 2003 (the Act) which mean a number of changes for gaming venue operators. Victoria The Victorian Casino and Gaming Authority regulates and monitors Victoria's gambling activities. It has a comprehensive website with sections for legislation and policy, research, frequently asked questions, media releases, licensing and other matters.

Is online gambling legal in Australia?

Some forms of online gambling are legal in Australia, but others are not.

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Only licensed gambling providers can legally offer online gambling products in Australia. And some online gambling products are banned.

Illegal online gambling products include:

• online casinos
• casino-style games (like poker, blackjack and roulette)
• slots (pokies)
• in-play sports betting
• sports betting services which do not hold an Australian licence
• scratchies
• betting on the outcome of a lottery.

Which online gambling providers are legal in Australia?

A list of licensed online gambling services is available through the Australian Communications and Media Authority’s (ACMA) register of Australian-licensed interactive gambling providers.

Before you use any online gaming or betting service, make sure it is on the register. If it is registered in Australia, it is bound by Australian laws and protections and you have redress to Australian laws if you have a dispute with the gambling company.

Sites based outside Australia are acting illegally if they offer you gambling.

How do I make a complaint about a licensed online gambling provider?

If a licensed provider is offering credit or in-play betting, you can make a complaint to ACMA because these are banned through Commonwealth law, which ACMA regulates.

For other complaints about licensed providers, contact the relevant state licensing authority. To find out which licensing authority you need to contact, check the register.

If a gambling provider is not on this register, you can make a complaint to ACMA.

What’s the risk of using illegal online gambling providers?

If you gamble online using a company that operates illegally, you run a higher risk of losing your money. They will not give you the same customer protection as a licensed service.

These services sometimes refuse to return deposits or pay winnings to the customer. As the services are operating illegally, there is little recourse for Australian customers.

There is also a risk that, because they are illegal, these websites will be blocked in Australia when identified. This means you may not be able to log in from Australia and access your existing account.

Many sites exist in countries where gambling laws offer little protection to gamblers. Even in countries where better consumer laws and regulation exist, pursuing a complaint from Australia is likely to be difficult and expensive.

Are illegal gambling websites blocked in Australia?

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ACMA asks Australian internet service providers to block access to online gambling websites if serious criminal or civil offences are involved.

Find out more about this and see the list of currently blocked illegal gambling websites on the ACMA website.

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Can I report or complain about an illegal gambling website?

You can make a complaint to ACMA if you think a website offers illegal gambling services. You do not have to give your name.

If you have problems recovering money from an overseas gambling website, your options are to:

• seek independent legal advice
• complain to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission
• contact the relevant licensing authority.

For years now, the Australian territory of Victoria has only allowed one company to operate betting shops. Now, some of the world’s most popular gambling companies are pushing for a change in Victoria’s gambling laws. Gambling is growing every year in Australia, and a major reform to the laws here could be on the horizon.

There are a number of reasons for companies calling for this reform. Let’s look at whether or not this territory will implement new legislation in the near future.

Gambling in Australia Growing More Popular Than Ever

Australia has always had a passionate gambling fan base. Gambling laws here are generally decided within individual territories, yet the country’s government has been taking a more active role in gambling oversight. Online gambling laws here are complex, yet most people here still choose to make their bets through gaming websites based in Europe.

A number of these sites have received licenses to operate legally inside the country. The spike in gaming options is clearly helping to grow the industry. According to numerous reports, the Australian gambling industry is growing by 15% every single year.

The government is certainly profiting from gambling revenue. People here lose money gambling more than any other country. Australia earns significant revenue from the gambling industry every single year through taxes.

Online gambling is growing more popular than ever. Older bettors; however, are said to prefer making bets through a land-based betting shop.

A Change in Victoria’s Gambling Laws Is Being Pushed

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As we mentioned earlier, Australia’s territories can set their own laws regarding gambling. Victoria has only granted one company a license to offer land-based wagers. That company, named Tabcorp, is earning millions in revenue every year.

The online sector here is open, yet the monopoly on the ground is forcing some companies to call for reform.

Paddy Power Betfair, the parent company of Australian-based Sportsbet, is leading the charge. They’re now openly asking for a change in Victoria’s gambling laws. This company argues that more betting options in this territory will benefit both players and companies.

“It is logical that the same benefits could be enjoyed by retail wagering customers if there was a liberalisation in the retail licence structure,” they said in an official statement.

Sportsbet is attempting to make some major changes in Victoria. They have made their case with the Andrews government, though it’s unclear whether or not their efforts will pay off.

Support and Criticism of Law Changes

There are supporters and critics of a change in gambling laws here. Tabcorp is likely appealing for these laws to remain in place.

Tim Costello, a reform advocate at the Allegiance for Gambling Reforms, wants the current laws the stay in place. He argues that additional gambling options would only increase a player’s losses and addiction. Mr. Costello’s opinion is likely to attract attention from government officials.

Gambling Act Victoria

Others feel that a bigger list of options would help bettors. If more companies are operating here, the odds and bonuses for gamblers would have to become more competitive.

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The government will now need to discuss whether or not they want a change in Victoria’s gambling laws. As of February 12th, no updates have come out on the situation. Make sure to stay tuned for any additional information over the next several weeks.

Do you support Victoria opening their land-based gambling industry? Will the change help or hurt bettors here? Let us know what you think in the comment section below!

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