Online poker in Australia still alive
An alliance in favor of online poker in Australia received support from a Senator.
Australia.- Senator David Leyonhjelm of the Liberal Democratic Party introduced an amendment that would change some things of the Interactive Gambling Amendment Bill 2016 presented back in November by Australia’s Minister for Human Services Alan Tudge.
Leyonhjelm’s amendment called Sheet 8054 would modify the 2016 proposal and would insert casino-style poker or blackjack gambling services in different stances of the bill to make it possible for online poker players to keep gambling in the country. Australian Online Poker Alliance (AOPA) was born last month with the intention of exhorting authorities to legalise the sector. The group is gathering the opponents against the latest amendment that prohibits online poker activities in the country. AOPA proposes a complete framework to regulate the sector and bring benefits to the Australian government as well.
Even if Leyonhjelm’s attempt seems like a good thing for the alliance, he’s the only Liberal Democratic Party Senator with a seat, therefore his push faces several barriers. With the current amendment, Australia has gathered six and the mandatory second reading for the Interactive Gambling Amendment Bill won’t be finished until March 20.
Australia is currently the biggest gambling nation, Global Betting and Gaming Consultants affirmed that the society per capita spends approximately US$866 per year. The bill that prohibits online gambling in Australia 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.”
Australian Online Poker Alliance offers a platform to discuss the issue and promote their petition to the government. The website also informs residents on how to contact their local elected members of the Parliament to express their disagreement with the amendment approved in November 2016. Online poker platforms were operating in a “grey area” due to the lack of legislation. Leading poker operators gloablly, such as 888Poker, have exited the market; whilst PokerStars announced its intentions to follow the same path.
