The Albanese Government has launched a comprehensive review into the regulation of online keno and foreign-matched lotteries as part of its ongoing efforts to minimize the harms associated with online gambling.
This review aims to deepen the Government’s understanding of the impacts these types of lotteries have on the community and to evaluate whether regulatory changes are necessary. An Issues Paper has been released to inform the review process.
Understanding Online Keno and Foreign-Matched Lotteries
Keno is a traditional game of chance where players select numbers to win prizes. Historically played in clubs and pubs, keno is now also available online in some Australian States and Territories. Foreign-matched lotteries allow Australians to participate in lottery draws conducted overseas.
The review follows a recommendation by the Senate Standing Committees on Environment and Communications, which suggested a 12-month review into the regulation of keno-type lotteries under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA).
Scope and Consultation of the Review
The Government will conduct targeted consultations as part of this review, seeking input from various stakeholders, including harm minimization advocates, community and charity organizations, academics, State and Territory governments, newsagents, and the wagering industry.
The Issues Paper addresses several key areas:
- The nature and size of the online keno and foreign-matched lotteries market in Australia.
- The impact of existing, new, and emerging keno-type and foreign-matched lotteries.
- Adverse experiences of customers, including loss of deposits or non-payment of winnings.
- The relevance of the definition of an ‘excluded lottery service’ under the IGA.
- Policy options such as credit and digital payment bans or other restrictions to reduce gambling harms.
Ongoing Efforts to Combat Gambling Harm
This review is part of the Government’s broader agenda to tackle online gambling harms in Australia. The Government is also working through its response to the House of Representatives Inquiry into online gambling and its impacts on those experiencing gambling harm.
Recent Measures to Reduce Gambling Harm
Several measures have already been implemented to mitigate gambling harms:
- Launching BetStop, the National Self-Exclusion Register, with over 22,000 Australians self-excluded from online wagering and promotions as of April 2024.
- Mandating customer ID pre-verification for all new online wagering accounts to prevent children from gambling and to protect those registered with BetStop.
- Banning the use of credit cards for online wagering, effective from June 2024.
- Introducing mandatory minimum classifications for gambling-like content in computer games, starting in September 2024.
- Replacing the ‘Gamble Responsibly’ message in wagering advertising with new, evidence-based taglines.
- Implementing nationally consistent staff training for online wagering companies.
- Requiring online wagering companies to send monthly activity statements to their customers, detailing wins and losses.
Government Commitment to Reducing Gambling Harm
Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP, stated: “The Albanese Government has a comprehensive agenda to minimize 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.”
Minister for Social Services, the Hon 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-matched lotteries. Our Government has already taken major steps to minimize and combat the increasing prevalence of people experiencing gambling harm in Australia and will continue to do so.”
Source:
Review into the impact of online keno and foreign-matched lotteries, minister.infrastructure.gov.au, July 15, 2024.