Legislation brings bookmakers into line with online gambler protections

The Government amended the Racing Integrity Act earlier this month to minimise the potential risks associated with gambling addiction following the introduction of the National Consumer Protection Framework (NCPF) for online wagering in Australia.

As of April 2021, 79 licensed bookmakers in Queensland will be impacted by the amendments to the NCPF, including 11 bookmakers who hold off course approvals.

The amendments to the Racing Integrity Act also represent a further measure of accountability and protection for bookmakers in their dealings with those wishing to bet.

The changes create a level playing field for bookmakers and online betting companies regulated in Australia, therefore harmonising the betting landscape across Australia.

Everyone has an obligation and a part to play to ensure that gambling harm is minimised, and now there is a mechanism to provide additional protection.

It is now prohibited for a bookmaker or relevant associate to offer inducements to a person in the forms of a credit, voucher, reward, or other benefits, as an incentive to bet.

This includes inducements to open an account, make referrals, or to not close an account, including via a telecommunications system.

A bookmaker or associate is also prohibited from offering a free bet to the bettor via an interactive betting account with the bookmaker, unless the bettor can withdraw payouts arising from the bet at any time.

Consent must also be explicitly obtained and there must be an easily identified unsubscribe function available when sending promotional or advertising material.

If the person retracts consent, the bookmaker must not offer any inducements during the process to stop the person from unsubscribing.

A bookmaker must also take all reasonable steps to identify a bettor’s location when a bet is made via an interactive betting account.

For more information see the Factsheet for Bookmakers