The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) which administers and enforces the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 is conducting a review of the credit betting prohibitions in the Act.

The prohibitions apply to providers of online wagering and telephone betting services.

The consultation examines the operational effectiveness and efficiency of the credit betting prohibitions, with a focus on whether the provisions could be simpler, clearer or easier to enforce.

The credit betting prohibitions are intended to reduce the risk that the availability of credit may present to individuals who gamble beyond their capacity to pay.

Section 15C of the Act prohibits a wagering operator from:
(a) providing, or offering to provide, credit; or
(b) facilitating or promoting the provision of credit (other than by way of an independently-issued credit card) by a third person;
in connection with their wagering service, to customers, or prospective customers, who are physically present in Australia.

The definition of credit in the Act is in practical effect the same as the definition of credit in section.3(1) of the National Credit Code in Schedule 1 to the National Consumer Credit Protection Act 2009 (Cth).

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Author: David Jacobson
Principal, Bright Corporate Law
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About David Jacobson
The information contained in this article is not legal advice. It is not to be relied upon as a full statement of the law. You should seek professional advice for your specific needs and circumstances before acting or relying on any of the content.