Australia to review gambling act as betting technology develops

Australia’s Social Services Minister will spearhead a review of the Interactive Gambling Act due to outdated laws being considered ambiguous in light of new technology such as smart phones.

As new forms of controversial sports betting emerge via smart phones and online poker services, Scott Morrison will take control of the review given he holds responsibility for overall gambling regulation, The Sydney Morning Herald reported.

The review will take into consideration opinions from gaming operators, betting agencies and gambling help authorities and is expected before year-end.

"The minister notes the speculation," a spokesman for Morrison told Fairfax Media. 

"The government will make an announcement on such matters when they are determined."

New means of accepting bets through digital technology have been adopted by operators such as William Hill along with another British rival Bet365, who have been operating the controversial in-play betting system for several months, which allows punters to bet live on sports via their smart phones.

Punters in Australia can bet on the outcome of an event after it has begun, but only via the telephone or in person. Such 'in-play' betting is outlawed on online platforms, including smart phones.

 

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