Australia to ban online gambling sign-up offers

The Australian government is to introduce new restrictions that will stop online gambling operators from offering inducements to entice consumers to sign up for their services.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper, bookmakers will no longer be able to offer free bets, credits or other financial inducements designed to encourage customers to register for an online gambling account.

The restrictions are the result of an agreement between gambling ministers in the country and form part of a wave of new online gambling protection measures that will be phased in over the coming months.

Federal Human Services Minister Alan Tudge, who chaired the recent meeting of ministers, said: “Many Australians enjoy a punt, but we want to ensure there are reasonable protections in place and that individuals can have greater control over their gambling expenditure.

“Online gambling is growing faster than any other form of gambling and the incidences of problem gambling is higher.

“The gambling problems of the future will all come from the online space if we don't put sensible protections in place now.”

Australia has introduced a raft of new restrictions for online gambling in recent months, which has in turn led to a number of major operators to withdraw their services from the country.

The latest new restriction comes after it was revealed illegal betting exchanges in the country are turning over at least Aus$10bn (€6.7bn/$8.03bn) each year.

Related article: Illegal betting exchanges in Australia worth almost €7bn