Australia to review “particularly concerning” keno and foreign lottery markets
The Albanese government will conduct a 12-month review into the verticals after ministers suggest rapid growth of sectors could impact vulnerable customers and small businesses
The Australian government has begun a year-long review into the regulation of the country’s keno and foreign-matched lottery markets.
The decision comes off the back of a recommendation from the country’s Senate Standing Committees on Environment and Communications, urging the government to look into the regulation of the two verticals under the Interactive Gambling Act (IGA) 2001.
Keno is readily available to play online across several Australian states, while foreign-matched lotteries allow players to access lottery draws overseas.
The Albanese government will look into the nature and size of online keno and foreign-matched lottery in Australia, as well as the impact of existing, new and emerging markets for the two products.
The review will also consider negative experiences for customers playing both games, such as loss of deposits and non-payment of winnings.
In addition, the government will re-examine the definition of an “excluded lottery service” as first termed by the IGA and whether it remains fit for purpose today.
Regulatory measures such as credit and digital payment bans will be considered if the review finds that keno and foreign-matched lotteries go against the intent of the IGA to minimise gambling-related harm from internet technologies.
The largest foreign-matched lottery operator Down Under is The Lottery Office, which allows Australians to take part in lottery draws in markets such as the UK and the US.
The Lottery Office is currently licensed in the North Territory and has offices in Darwin and on the Gold Coast. The firm is also the front-of-shirt sponsor for the Gold Coast Titans National Rugby League (NRL) side.
Speaking about the review, Michelle Rowland, Australia’s minister for communications, said: “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.”
Rowland cited several measures implemented by the government to tackle gambling-related harm so far, with the latest review the next step in that process.
These include the launch of national self-exclusion register BetStop, banning the use of credit cards for online wagering, introducing new mandatory minimum classifications for computer games with gambling-like content and mandating customer ID pre-verification for all new online accounts.
Minister for social services Amanda Rishworth 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-matched 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.”