The Australian Labor Party is bitterly disappointed that the Coalition’s proposed legislation to ban Internet gambling for 12-months does not offer either leadership or workable solutions that address community concerns about gambling on the Internet.
This was an opportunity for the Government to show leadership in tackling the social issues arising from gambling, and help create a regulated industry through State-based laws that have strident mechanisms to protect consumers and address social concerns.
The Coalition’s proposed ban on Internet gambling will not stop problem gambling in Australia or prevent Australians from accessing gambling Web sites off shore. In fact, there are already proposals to host Internet gambling sites in Australia but bar Australians from accessing them.
It will lull the community into a false sense of security by implying that the Internet will be a safe place for everyone, when in fact Internet gambling will still be available. This could result in friends and families being less vigilant about problem gambling which could exacerbate the problem.
Labor is very conscious of community concerns about increased gambling. There is well-known community apprehension about the social dysfunctions arising from problem gambling. However the Coalition’s proposed ban will not prevent problem gamblers from betting. This Bill will simply drive these problem gamblers offshore to unregulated sites.
Labor is also concerned about the possible corruption of sport from online gambling. Recent match-fixing and betting scams have certainly eroded consumer confidence. However, this issue is being addressed by Australia’s sporting bodies who, at a recent Gambling in Sport Roundtable, called on the Federal Government to provide a workable legislative policy for corruption in sport so that the interests of all participants are protected.
Unfortunately, the call for the Coalition to initiate a workable legislative framework has obviously fallen on deaf ears.
The Government isn’t interested in tackling the challenge of online content by working with the various stakeholders to ensure a viable solution – they simply want to window dress an issue, stick their collective heads in the sand, and blame the Internet for their failings.
Contact: Simon Tatz on 02-6277 3334 or 0418 488 295
