Australia weighs new measures against unlicensed iGaming sites

The government is evaluating blocking ISPs in order to prevent unlicensed iGaming sites from operating in Australia.

Australia.- The gambling industry in Australia is going through major regulation changes as lawmakers in the country are looking to stop unauthorised activity. However, legislators keep finding holes in their security grid and that’s why they are now assessing the possibility of banning ISPs to shutdown illegal operations.

Human Services Minister of Australia Alan Tudge advanced the decision next to the introduction of new restrictions that would involve financial institutions of the country. The government would require them to refuse transactions involving unlicensed online gambling (including offshore activity). ISPs blocking it is likely to be resisted by advocates of net neutrality as they promote an open use of the internet.

Tudge announced these possible actions as he revealed details of the National Consumer Protection Framework, the plan to protect online gamblers. Legislators have introduced 11 measures that include creating a national self-exclusion register, a ban to betting companies from offering lines of credit to players. Furthermore, licensed operators will be required to inform gamblers about their activity in order to help them track their spending.

The plan is set to be rolled out in July as lawmakers are worried that, if they don’t take action now, online gambling’s 15 percent anual growth might turn into an issue. According to Tudge, the government expects it to have a profound impact while gamblers are still able to play freely but with greater control on their activities.

Australia’s continuous regulation changes have scared away many operators such as 888, Vera&John and 32Red but that doesn’t seem to affect the legislators will to make new adaptations.