It is no secret that online gambling is a favorite form of entertainment down under. In fact there are estimates that Aussies spend over $1 billion alone in online gambling services that are located offshore. Currently the legal status for online gaming in Australia is not too clear. In terms of the Interactive Gambling Act it is illegal for Australians to gamble online when it comes to all types of casino-style gambling like that of poker , scratchies and slots. Online sports betting is particularly popular with online gamblers because Australians are probably the most sports loving nation on the planet.
While many have called for legislation to be amended and for illegal online gaming sites to be licensed, this still has not happened. The latest controversy to hit the Aussie online gambling market is from Apple. PokerStars is offering a apps which are permitting Australians to bet and play on real money casino style games. This has caused a storm from politicians like Greens Senator Richard di Natale of the gambling reform committee who spoke out about Apple controversy,” We don’t allow online poker in Australia for Australian people under the Interactive Gambling Act … they [Apple] have got an obligation to take down apps that are against Australian law and they should do it.”
The online gambling debate is always in the headlines in Australia and as we have reported earlier, this also applies to that of social gambling on Facebook. Many believe that these free-to-play games are just potential danger in creating gambling addicts.
While Apple Australia have yet to react to the claims that real money gambling is possible via apps at iTunes, the current status quo needs to be addressed. With some estimating that there are over 2000 illegal online gambling providers offering Australians the chance to gamble online, it would make sense for all to keep the billions within Australian borders where the country could benefit from employment tax revenues.