Aussie federal minister confirms upcoming ‘fake’ lottery ban
News on 27 Mar 2018
News on 27 Mar 2018
Speculation Monday that the Australian federal government is about to ban “synthetic” lotteries like Lottoland (see previous report) were confirmed Tuesday by federal communications minister Mitch Fifield, who said that legislation will be introduced Wednesday to ban betting on lotteries and keno games.
In a statement, Fifield advised:
“The government has formed the view that permitting betting on these services, also known as ‘synthetic’ lotteries, undermines the longstanding community acceptance of official lottery and keno products.
“These products enjoy community support as they generate an income stream for small retail businesses and make a significant contribution, through licence fees and taxation, to the provision of public services and infrastructure by state and territory governments.
“Traditional lotteries and keno games are popular and longstanding recreational gambling products that form an important income stream for thousands of small businesses across Australia, including newsagents, pharmacies, pubs and community clubs.
“They also generate significant taxation revenue for state and territory governments, helping to fund schools, hospitals, public transport and roads.
“Online services offering products that involve betting on lottery outcomes are relatively new and have generated considerable community concern. Since these concerns were first raised last year, the government has listened carefully to a range of groups that have views on the undesirability of permitting betting on these products.”
In related news, Australian media regulator Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is to be given additional powers by government to regulate gambling advertisements shown during online sport broadcasts.
The empowering legislation cleared the Senate this week. The powers include authority to determine program standards for gambling advertisements which apply to certain broadcasters and pay-TV providers.
The bill is part of the government’s reform package, taking effect from Friday, which is headlined by a ban on gambling adverts from five minutes before the start of play until five minutes after the conclusion of play or 8.30pm.
