Back in October last year Australia's Productivity Commission recommended the government open its online gambling market...a recommendation now rejected by the government.
The report from the Aussie government's key independent advisory body concluded, among other things that,
‘Australian Government should repeal the Interactive Gambling Act and, in consultation with state and territory governments, should initiate a process for the managed liberalisation of online gaming....The long-run consequence of prohibition may be higher problem gambling risks and a loss of commercial opportunities and tax revenue in Australia’
Not so says Australian Minister of Communications Stephen Conroy. He recently told the Brisbane Courier Mail that,
'We are not convinced that liberalising online gaming would have benefits for the Australian community which would outweigh the risks of an increased incidence of problem gambling, particularly with the rapid changes in technology.'
He also hinted at the possibility of co-operation with other jurisdictions on 'global regulations' for the industry - a move that makes some sense given the cross border nature of the online gambling industry, but would also throw up so many technical issues the mind boggles at the thought of it.
Conroy also conceded that there was a possibility that a partial liberalisation, involving internet poker initially may be considered. If successful this could be a precursor to broader liberalisation.
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