Australian iGaming bill to take effect
The Interactive Gambling Amendment Bill 2016 has received latest approval by Governor-General Peter Cosgrove.
Australia.- Governor-General Peter Cosgrove has approved the Interactive Gambling Amendment Bill 2016 last Wednesday, paving the way to implement the new iGaming legislation. International operators argue that the bill would reduce the possibilities of legally operating online gaming platforms.
Under the Interactive Gambling Amendment Bill 2016, iGaming operators without proper licenses would be banned from the market, although it does not clarifies the requirements to obtain and implement an iGaming license. Therefore, gaming supporters consider the bill would only prohibit online gaming operations.
With Cosgrove’s signature, the legislation received the Royal Assent, as revealed by Casino News Daily, which means the bill could finally take effect. The regulation was introduced last year by Human Services Minister Alan Tudge. The national Senate had approved it earlier this month.
The bill says that “prohibited services under the IGA include online casino-style gaming services of chance or mixed skill and chance, such as blackjack, roulette and poker, which are played for money or anything else of value. Wagering and lotteries are permitted under limited circumstances.”
After the Senate of Australia passed the bill that prohibits online casinos and poker services, PokerStars announced its departure from the Down Under market. Whilst the company still has to announce an official date, it is estimated that it would be mid-September. Further companies are also expected to leave the market soon.
