NO FEDERAL INTERVENTION ON BETTING EXCHANGES

12 July 2004
106/04

The Howard Government has today decided not to take any specific regulatory action in relation to betting exchanges following a review of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA).

Today's decision does not prevent the States and Territories from acting on licensing issues falling within their own jurisdictions relating to interactive wagering and betting exchanges.

The licensing and regulation of gambling services has traditionally been a matter for the States and Territories.

As part of a review of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA) - which was established to prevent the escalation of problem gambling resulting from new interactive gambling services - the Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts (DCITA) examined a wide range of issues including the impact of betting exchanges.

The report, which will be tabled shortly, found no compelling evidence to suggest that betting exchanges were likely to contribute to an increase in the level of problem gambling.

The review noted the potential for enhanced consumer protection measures to be introduced in an online gambling environment.

The Government's view is that this is best done through existing State and Territory licensing regimes.

I call on the States and Territories to recognise their responsibilities and investigate opportunities to strengthen their licensing regimes across all wagering services.


Media Contact: Carina Tan-Van Baren (02) 6277 7480 or 0439 425 373