Responsible Wagering Australia calls for stricter measures against offshore gambling sites
Half of those using offshore gambling sites in Australia are registered on BetStop.
Australia.- Responsible Wagering Australia (RWA) has urged the government to implement stronger measures against illegal offshore gambling websites. It made the call after new research found that half of those using offshore gambling sites in Australia were registered on BetStop, a programme designed to block them from using licensed Australian wagering companies.
The study conducted by H2 Gambling Capital found that 33 per cent of bettors who gamble on unlicensed sites used credit to fund their bets despite this being prohibited in Australia. Users cited better odds and promotions as their reason for using unlicensed sites and to a lesser extent live in-play betting options that are restricted in the country.
According to the report, the offshore black market for gambling has grown to $3.9bn per year, more than doubling 2019 figures, and now accounts for over a third of the country’s gambling market. It is projected to reach $5bn per year by 2029.
The prevalence of illegal offshore sites has sparked concerns among licensed gambling companies, which claim they’re being put at a competitive disadvantage.
RWA CEO Kai Cantwell said: “Unlike licensed operators, who use data to identify and support at-risk customers, illegal sites use it to target vulnerable Australians and minors with high-risk offers and exaggerated bonuses. Australia’s world-leading consumer protections are only effective if people stay within the system, and right now, it’s too easy to bypass them offshore with a few clicks.”
Cantwell warned that offshore sites are diverting funds that typically support Australian sports and racing, with the H2 report predicting losses of almost $2bn in government revenue and $800m in product fees. Responsible Wagering is calling on the authorities to collaborate with banks to block transactions and increase the powers of the eSafety commissioner over online enforcement.
