Australian Government to Crack Down on Foreign Lottery Games and Advertising

The Australian Federal Government has announced that it has launched a review into how foreign-matched lotteries and online keno games are advertised and regulated in the country.

In its bid to minimize online gambling harms, the government will look into the impact that foreign lotteries have on local customers and any possible links to problem gambling.

The review comes following a recommendation from the Senate Standing Committees on Environment and Communications regarding the Interactive Gambling Amendment (Credit and Other Measures) Act 2023. The Committee advised that the Government conduct a review within the next 12 months on the regulation of keno-type lotteries under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.

As part of the review, an Issues Paper was released today outlining the key aspects it will cover:

• Size of online keno and foreign matched lotteries in Australia
• Impact of keno type lotteries and foreign matched lotteries in Australia
• Adverse experiences from customers playing these lottery products
• The definition of an ‘excluded lottery service’ under the IGA and whether it remains ‘fit for purpose’
• Potential credit and digital payment bans or other restrictions

Speaking of the review Minister for Communications, Michelle Rowland MP said:

“The Albanese Government has a comprehensive agenda to minimise online wagering harms. The growth and availability of online keno and foreign-matched lotteries is particularly concerning. It is important to understand the impact these two products are having on the community, including vulnerable Australians and small businesses.

Feedback will ensure any changes the Government may make are well-balanced and fit-for-purpose, and the Terms of Reference will help guide any future changes Government might make.

This review comes in addition to strong consumer protections introduced by the Albanese Government, including launching BetStop – the National Self-Exclusion Register, banning the use of credit cards for online wagering, and introducing new mandatory minimum classifications for computer games with gambling-like content.”

QMinister for Social Services, Amanda Rishworth MP added:

“Our Government takes gambling harm seriously and we are committed to protecting consumers, including their families and the community, from gambling-related harm. This includes continuous review and work to address all drivers of gambling harm such as the regulation of online keno and foreign-matches lotteries.

Our Government has already taken major steps to minimise and combat the increasing prevalence of people experiencing gambling harm in Australia and will continue to do so.”

According to the latest Australian gambling statistics, lotteries generate around AUD $8.988 billion per year in revenues while pokies generate around AUD $12.5 billion. The average loss per gambler remains the highest in any regulated market with Australians losing around AUD $1,200 per year through gambling.