Commonwealth and state and territory governments have launched the National Consumer Protection Framework (National Framework) for Online Wagering in Australia, which will provide stronger consumer protections for Australians gambling online.
Media release – National Framework to help reduce harm from online wagering.
The Government is concerned that the rate of online problem gambling is three times higher than other types of gambling, and that is why the establishment of the National Framework was at the core of its response to the 2015 Review of Illegal Offshore Wagering.
The National Framework provides – for the first time – strong, nationally consistent protections for consumers of Australian interactive wagering services.
It consists of 10 measures to empower individuals, and ensure the harm from online wagering is minimised. The measures will provide people with easy-to-use tools and information to better control their gambling from a voluntary opt-out pre-commitment scheme through to a national self-exclusion register.
The National Framework will have reach to around 130 wagering service providers and their account holders. This means that the National Framework will apply to around two and a half million active online wagering accounts in Australia.
Commonwealth, state and territory governments will implement the suite of measures within the National Framework progressively over 18 months, beginning from 26 November 2018.
The Government has taken tough action against illegal offshore wagering providers. This was successfully implemented through the Interactive Gambling Amendment Act 2017, which empowers the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) to take tougher action against illegal offshore providers.
ACMA now reports on any complaints, breaches and investigations in relation to the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. For further information, visit the ACMA website.
The Commonwealth is also examining the feasibility of disruption measures, Internet Service Provider blocking and financial blocking, and expects to have a finalised position by the end of 2018.
Complementing the National Framework, is a raft of legislative reform which successfully passed Parliament in 2017, including restrictions on showing gambling promotions during live sporting events, broadcast in children’s viewing hours. These restrictions have been in place since 30 March 2018. ACMA has implemented the same rules for online content service providers.
Interactive online wagering can impact anyone. More than 240,000 individuals in Australia are at-risk of or already experience significant harm caused by online gambling.
The formal commencement date for the National Framework is 26 November 2018.
The measures of the National Framework are being implemented progressively over an 18 month timeframe, as set out in the National Policy Statement.
The National Framework has been developed on the best available evidence, and was consulted on widely with key stakeholders. It provides a strong benchmark and will be updated over time in line with best practice.
It will also be further informed by a number of trials being undertaken to inform some of the National Framework’s measures.
Commonwealth, state and territory Governments will continue to work together, and within the regulatory tools available in each jurisdiction, to ensure the consistent implementation of measures outlined in the National Framework.
A governance committee, consisting of representatives from each of the relevant Commonwealth and state and territory government departments, will support the effective implementation, ongoing management, review and updating of the National Framework.
The Australian Government provides funding for financial counsellors to help people, their family and friends affected by problem gambling.
The services provide intensive one-on-one support, which help people to address their financial problems, make informed choices and build their longer-term capability to budget and manage their money. Further information about financial counsellors is available from the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 or at www.ndh.org.au
Additionally, states and territories fund the National Gambling Helpline 1800 858 858 and Gambling Help Online website www.gamblinghelponline.org.au. Support for anyone affected by gambling harm are encouraged to contact the National Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
https://www.dss.gov.au/communities-and-vulnerable-people-programs-services-gambling/national-consumer-protection-framework-for-online-wagering