The Senate to ban all foreign internet gambling in Australia?

Many gambling policy experts fear that the changes might provoke a mass exodus of providers from the country

Proposal for outlawing internet poker and in-play sports betting has been submitted by the Australian Senate during the past week, provoking mass of reactions in the gambling community in the country. However, as gambling news report, the so called Interactive Gambling Amendment Bill 2016 which was submitted to the Senate is not only limited to these two forms of gambling but proposes restrictions to all internet gaming activities which are not specifically licensed in Australia.

Big names leave the Australian gambling market

The consequences of the new law to be enforced can already be seen in Australia by the massive exit of prominent international companies from the gambling sector in the country. Online bingo operator Vera&John was the first that left the market back in December, while 888Poker and PokerStars have announced that in case the amendments proposed are enforced will also leave the market.

Many senators have already expressed their disapproval of the proposed policy changes. Australian Senator David Leyonhjelm, as online gambling sites in Australia report, told HuffPost Australia that “the law changes are stupid and that punters that wish to continue playing will find ways of doing so, outside of the legal system”.He also added “if you have a virtual private network (VPN) or offshore account, you will still play. It’s a stupid situation to be in.”