Aussie government to crackdown on 'synthetic lotteries"

Australian media reports claim that online gambling operators will soon be prohibited by government from allowing or offering bets on overseas lotteries, including Keno draws.

The prohibition drive has been supported by the One Nation political party and appears to be aimed at shutting down Lottoland, which has been enjoying successful sales in Australia and raising concerns in the traditional lottery industry (see previous reports).

An Australian newspaper claims that it has had sight of the draft legislation, The Interactive Gambling Amendment (Lottery Betting) Bill 2018, which would take effect six months after its passage through both Houses of Parliament.

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson, reportedly expects the legislation to be introduced into the House of Representatives as soon as this week.

Over A$ 1 billion in tax revenue is received by the states and territories each year from the sale of official lottery tickets, but there is mounting concern that Lottoland sales will impact traditional sales and reduce business and the government’s take.

The Australian reports that the new legislation will halt the “placing, making, receiving or acceptance of bets” on the outcome of “Australian and overseas lottery draws”.

Lottoland is licensed in the Northern Territory, and it is expected that the state government will support changing licensing regulations to stop companies from taking bets on the outcome of Australian lotteries.

One Nation’s Senator Hanson justifies legislative interference by claiming that her party’s proposed changes could protect up to 20,000 jobs in the traditional industry .

Australian Lottery and Newsagents Association policy and government relations manager Ben Kearney said the advance of the bill was “great news.”