Friday, March 29, 2024 - Login

Consumer protection measures come into effect across Australia


Certain gambling inducements have now been banned across Australia, after a number of measures from the National Consumer Protection Framework (NCPF) came into effect on Sunday, experts have reported.

According to an email from Jamie Nettleton of Addisons Lawyers - the NCPF measures include a prohibition on specific inducements such as sign-up offers - a measure which will affect online betting operators.

The NCPF was first announced in December 2018 by The Hon. Paul Fletcher, the Minister for Families and Social Services with the aim of giving consumers more power to control their gambling.

According to a paper from Addisons Lawyers sent in December, the NCPF contains 10 measures, which address:


  • the prohibition of lines of credit for wagering purposes;

  • the discouragement of the use of payday lending for online wagering;

  • a reduction in the customer verification period;

  • prohibitions on specified inducements;

  • greater and clearer accessibility and availability of account closure mechanisms;

  • the implementation of a voluntary opt-out pre-commitment scheme;

  • the provision of activity statements to customers;

  • consistent responsible gambling messaging;

  • training of staff in the responsible conduct of gambling; and

  • the development and implementation of a national self-exclusion register.


However, Nettleton says the measures have not been implemented uniformly in all Australian States and Territories and certain measures will not come into effect until after 26 May 2019 in some jurisdictions.

Asia Gaming Brief is a news and intelligence service providing up to date market information for worldwide executives on relevant gaming issues in Asia.

Contact us

ASIA GAMING BRIEF
PO Box 1139, Macau SAR
Tel: +853 2871 7267
Fax: +853 2871 7264

Asia Gaming Brief