Review of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001

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The Australian Government, after consultation with the states and territories, decided that the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy would undertake a review of the operation 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 smartphones, 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. The paper sought to promote discussion of the issues relevant to the regulation of interactive gambling in Australia.

Submissions on the discussion paper closed on 21 October 2011. All submissions received are published on the linked page below, unless the author of the submission specifically requested otherwise.

Review of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 Interim report

On 29 May 2012, the department released the interim report on the review. In preparing this, the department has commissioned research and undertaken consultation with stakeholders, including reviewing submissions from the public and holding several workshops to discuss the issues raised.

Submissions on the Interim report closed on 25 June 2012. All submissions received are published on the linked page below, unless the author of the submission specifically requested otherwise.

Review of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 – Final report

On 12 March 2013, the Minister released the final report on the review. The Government is consulting with states and territories on the development and implementation of a national standard for harm minimisation and consumer protection that would cover all licensed online gambling activities. The Government is also further examining the recommendations with respect to enforcement and deterrence, advertising, education and awareness and social media, in consultation with states and territories.

Commissioned research

To inform the review, the department commissioned the following completed research projects.

 
 
 
 
Document ID: 136547 | Last modified: 12 March 2013, 12:56pm