Senator duo wants legalization of online poker

Two crossbench senators from Australia are pushing the federal government to legalize online poker, which they say is a low-risk and taxable form of gambling, AFR reports.

"Rather than reflexively banning activities ... they can be legalized, regulated, monitored and of course taxed," Senator David Leyonhjelm told parliament along with Senator Cory Bernardi on Wednesday.

"Australian online poker players deserve to have a safe, regulated environment in which to enjoy their pastime and not be forced into using offshore sites,” he added.

Leyonhjelm earlier also said the government should consider putting together a federal body to regulate Australian online gaming like that of the UK Gambling Commission.

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