Microgaming and other big names in the online gambling industry are faced with new legislation in Australia, which could see them being forced out the market. The federal government approved a number of amendments to the country’s existing igaming framework which would outlaw internet poker and casino gambling, as well as in-play sports betting.
The Interactive Gambling Amendment Bill of 2016 will see a ban on all internet activities that are not specifically authorized by the new codes.
Analysts of the gambling market Down Under now agree that the new legislation will trigger a mass exodus of gambling companies, including Microgaming. This is due to the fact that these companies are now considered “illegal offshore operators”, despite the fact that they are among some of the most reputable groups in the world, with high standards of fair gaming and licensed by some of the strictest gambling jurisdictions in the world. Ironically, this situation may open the door to more rogue casinos who have nothing to lose by operating offshore, and Australian players may be less protected because of new laws that were intended to protect them in the first place.
Last minute attempts were made to create a carveout option for online poker and blackjack, with lawmakers claiming that these are games of skill. Unfortunately, however, this option was turned down by the federal government by a large majority, and the Interactive Gambling Amendment Bill of 2016 was introduced.
