2011 review of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001

Terms of reference for the review

Having regard to the issues facing the enforcement of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (the Act), the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy is to undertake a review of the operation of the Act, with reference to:

the growth of online gambling services (both regulated and unregulated) in Australia and overseas, and the risk of this to the incidence of problem gambling

the development of new technologies, including smart-phones, and the convergence of existing technologies that may accelerate the current trend towards the take-up of online gambling services in Australia and overseas

the adequacy of the existing provisions of the Act, including technical, operational and enforcement issues relating to the prohibition of interactive gambling services and the advertising of such services

consideration, where appropriate, of technology and platform neutrality including current distinctions relating to 'betting on the run' and micro‑betting

international regulatory approaches to online gambling services including consideration of their effectiveness and cost

examination of the social, tax, jurisdictional and enforcement aspects of regulated access to interactive gambling services currently prohibited under the Act

harm minimisation strategies for online gambling

the findings of the Joint Select Committee on Gambling Reform inquiry into interactive and online gambling and gambling advertising and the Productivity Commission Inquiry Report on Gambling (2010), and

any other relevant matters.

In undertaking the review, the department will consult with key stakeholders, states and territories and the broader Australian community. The department will commission additional research as needed.

The department is to provide a report of its findings to the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy by the first half of 2012, subject to the Joint Select Committee on Gambling Reform reporting by the end of 2011.

Review of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 discussion paper

On 24 August 2011, the department released the discussion paper for the review of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. The paper seeks to promote discussion of the issues relevant to the regulation of interactive gambling in Australia. The department will use responses to the paper from stakeholders to assess the policy objectives of the IGA and the roles that government, industry and consumers play in this area.

The paper is structured to outline and briefly discuss the key issues for the review and includes a number of broad questions relevant to these issues. The questions are designed to guide the submitter in formulating responses and do not necessarily need direct individual responses.

Submission to the Review of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 have now closed.

All submissions received are published on the linked page below unless the author of the submission specifically requested otherwise.

Submissions

Submissions to the review of the Interactive Gambling Act 2011

Questions and answers

1. Who will conduct the review?

The department will undertake the review and will has commissioned researchers and/or experts as required to inform the review. It is expected these consultancies will commence in the second half of 2011.

2. What consultations will occur?

The department is consulting widely with key stakeholders, states and territories and the broader Australian community and has released a discussion paper to facilitate this process. The paper sets out how people can make a written submission to the department.

The department is also holding workshops with key stakeholders to discuss the issues raised by, and arising from, the discussion paper.

3. When will the review of the Interactive Gambling Act be complete?

4. Will the review consider the findings of the Joint Select Committee on Gambling Reform's inquiry into online gambling and gambling advertising?

Yes.