Australia Takes Bold Step with Credit Card Gambling Ban

Australia’s Senate has adopted the Interactive Gambling Amendment (Credit and Other Measures) Bill 2023, a significant step in reducing the dangers of gambling addiction. The House of Representatives has already given its approval to the proposal, which was introduced in September and is a major step toward becoming law.

The main goal of the measure is to make it illegal for Australians to use credit cards or any other credit-related items for gambling. This includes new digital currencies as well as more established credit options. Credit card gambling at physical locations is already restricted throughout the nation; however, the new law makes it illegal everywhere.

Key Provisions and Penalties

In addition to forbidding the use of credit products for gambling, the credit card bill also imposes heavy fines on operators that disregard the prohibition. If operators don’t comply, they risk fines of up to AU$234,750. The measure also gives the Australian Communications and Media jurisdiction (ACMA) more jurisdiction. Enforcing penalty measures and penalizing entities that violate the prohibition will fall under the purview of the ACMA.

The law will not go into effect right now even if the Senate approved it. In order to give operators, payment providers, and customers time to get used to the new rules, the Australian government has set up a six-month transition period. This interim period will start as soon as the bill is signed into law by the king.

The result of lengthy discussions with a wide range of stakeholders, including operators, proponents of harm reduction, suppliers of gaming and lotteries, and financial payment institutions, is the legislation. The cooperative endeavor highlights the dedication to tackling the complex issues presented by gaming-related damage and cultivating a safer gambling milieu in Australia.

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