Independent Senator Nick Xenophon says proposed changes to gambling regulations will only increase the number of problem gamblers.
The Federal Government recently released its interim report into the online gambling industry, recommending changes be made to laws that has lasted for 10 years. Current laws were created to reduce the potential for problem gambling through interactive and online services.
The review recommends a prohibition be put on micro-betting on sporting games, but has backed some forms of online betting.
The report also proposes better warnings and safeguards for consumers, by putting in place more regulation and monitoring of online poker.
Senator Xenophon is warning the Government could end up hooked on what he calls the “fool’s gold” of gaming revenue, and that a financially struggling government could turn to gambling as a potential revenue source.
He added Australia is already the number one problem gambling hotspot in the world per capita, and the proposed changes could mean the government “will become as hooked on gambling revenue as the states are”.
“This would be an unmitigated disaster if this interim report is implemented into law,” he said.
“There is no question that if you open up online gambling in this country, you will see a massive new tidal wave of problem gamblers, particularly young men.
