Australian lawmakers vote for ‘synthetic’ lottery ban

Moving with extraordinary speed for politicians, the federal Australian House of Representatives voted for an amendment to the Interactive Gabling Act Thursday that makes the operation of “synthetic” lotteries (bettng on lottery results) illegal.

Initial reports indicate that both government and opposition legislators voted for the ban.

The amendment has been referred to the Senate for its decision, with observers predicting an equally fast passage and approval.

If passed, the effective date for the ban is November this year.

The amendment includes penalties for non-compliance of  A$7.8 million per day per offence.

The political reaction follows intense campaigning by Tatts and some news agent associations against lottery disrupters like Lottoland, which has been enjoying success in the Australian market and reportedly has 700,000 players.

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