More detail on Aussie online gambling review

The conversation Downunder on the federal government’s proposals following a review of the Interactive Gambling Act deepened Tuesday, with the following points emerging:

* Online poker tournaments and live sports betting online could be legalised, but not micro-betting where punters wager on individual events within a game.

* The government’s intent appears to be to liberalise online gambling by allowing poker but not casino games.

* A trial period for poker is suggested, but operators will have to agree not to offer online casino gaming as well.

* Betfair in Australia and Sportsbet have both joined Tabcorp in welcoming the proposals.

* Required measures to reduce problem gambling could include self-exclusion, pre-commitment, dynamic warnings and easily accessible data on how much a gambler is spending.

* In-play betting will remain legal by phone or in person, and the report recommends extending this to the internet.

* Popular apps and social media games that offer virtual gambling experiences – but offer no cash payout despite payment required to play – will continue.

The review represents a change of government policy of sorts; two years ago the government largely rejected the conclusions of the Productivity Commission, which recommended that online gambling be licensed and regulated.

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