The Albanese Government is delivering on its agenda to protect vulnerable Australians and their loved ones from gambling harms, with the use of credit cards for online wagering banned from today.
Legislation to amend the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 was introduced by the Government and passed by Parliament late last year, aligning online wagering with land‑based gambling regulations – where credit card use is banned.
The six-month transition period has enabled industry to prepare for the ban, which takes full effect today.
Companies who fail to enforce the ban on credit cards, credit related products and digital currencies may be liable for fines of up to $234,750, with the new laws expanding the Australian Communications and Media Authority’s powers to ensure strong and effective enforcement of the new and existing civil penalty provisions.
The ban demonstrates the Government’s continued commitment to creating a safer online gambling environment underpinned by a robust legislative framework, with strong consumer protections.
It complements other significant gambling reform measures that have already been implemented, including:
- Launching BetStop, the National Self-Exclusion Register, through which more than 22,000 Australians have self-excluded from online wagering and promotions, as at April 2024;
- Mandating customer ID pre-verification for all new online wagering accounts to prevent children from gambling and strengthen protections for Australians who have registered for BetStop;
- Introducing mandatory minimum classifications for gambling-like content in computer games, commencing from September 2024;
- Replacing the ineffective ‘Gamble Responsibly’ message on wagering advertising with new, evidence based taglines;
- Introducing nationally consistent staff training; and
- Requiring online wagering companies to send their customers monthly activity statements outlining wins and losses.
The Government is considering the 31 recommendations from the recent House of Representatives Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs inquiry with the Government to make announcements about its next steps in due course.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:
“Australians should not be gambling with money they do not have.
“Last year, the Albanese Labor Government committed to banning credit cards for online wagering – and we’ve delivered.
“This ban builds on the significant progress to minimise gambling harm that the Albanese Government has made over the past two years, which is already benefitting thousands of vulnerable Australians.
“Our commitment to ensuring that gambling takes place within a robust legislative framework with strong consumer protections remains steadfast, and we will have more to announce in due course.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Social Services, the Hon Amanda Rishworth MP
“Our Government takes seriously our responsibility to prevent and reduce harm from online wagering.
“Our ban on credit cards will help with this goal. You can’t use your credit card to place a bet for land-based gambling and now the the same rules apply for online gambling.
“I am proud of the steps we have taken so far to protect vulnerable Australians but recognise there is still much to do – and we will keep working to create a safer environment for Australians at risk of gambling harm.”
