Credit betting ban for online wagering providers to commence on 17 February

Legislative amendments to commence on 17 February 2018 will ban online wagering providers, such as online bookmakers, from offering credit to Australian punters. This includes offering punters a deferred settlement facility.

In September 2017, the Commonwealth government made amendments to the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. These amendments clarified the definition of a prohibited interactive gambling service, enabled illegal offshore gambling services to be blocked in Australia, provided the Australian Communications and Media Authority with powers to take civil action against illegal offshore providers, and clarified that online in-play betting (including click-to-call) is illegal.

Amendments were also introduced to ban online wagering providers from offering credit to their customers. A six-month transition period was allowed to enable providers and customers to adjust their business and betting practices. The transition period will end on 17 February 2018 and credit betting will no longer be available.

Exemptions to the ban have been made for online bookmakers with an annual turnover of less than $30 million, and to allow bookmakers to continue to lay off bets with other bookmakers using a deferred settlement facility.

Read the amendments to the Interactive Gambling Act.