New Bill Seeks to Increase Transparency in Online Gambling Losses
In Australia, legislators are advocating for new regulations that would make online gambling more transparent. Their goal is to require betting platforms to display real-time updates on financial losses, ensuring that users are aware of their spending as they gamble.
Independent MP Rebekha Sharkie is leading the push for these changes, believing that they could assist problem gamblers in tracking their financial losses more effectively and potentially curbing destructive gambling habits. The proposed law, officially named the Interactive Gambling Amendment (Know Your Losses Activity Statement) Bill 2025, was introduced in Parliament on February 10. If enacted, it would mandate that gambling websites prominently display three key figures at all times: a player’s losses for the current month, total losses for the year, and the overall amount lost since they registered on the site. These figures would be required to appear in a clear and legible manner, with text no smaller than 10 points, ensuring visibility for all users, according to reports from the Australian Associated Press.
The Member for Mayo @MakeMayoMatter has introduced the Interactive Gambling Amendment (Know Your Losses Activity Statement) Bill 2025.
ℹ️ To find out more, visit: https://t.co/Gb1bSoQXjE. pic.twitter.com/12DWPv73jQ
— Australian House of Representatives (@AboutTheHouse) February 9, 2025
Currently, betting operators are only required to provide gamblers with monthly activity statements, which players must seek out themselves. Advocates for the bill argue that many individuals are unaware of the true extent of their gambling losses, as they often underestimate their expenditures. By making these figures constantly visible, the legislation aims to give players a clearer understanding of their financial situation, potentially deterring excessive gambling behavior.
Gambling in Australia
Australia maintains a comprehensive framework for regulating both online and offline gambling activities, aiming to balance economic interests with consumer protection. The Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA) serves as the cornerstone of Australia’s online gambling legislation. This federal law prohibits the provision of certain online gambling services, such as online casinos and in-play sports betting, to individuals within Australia. However, it permits licensed operators to offer online sports betting and lotteries, provided they adhere to stringent regulations. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) enforces these rules, ensuring compliance and addressing violations. Notably, while offering prohibited online gambling services to Australians is illegal, there is no law against Australians accessing and using these services from offshore providers.
Offline gambling in Australia is primarily regulated at the state and territory level, resulting in variations across jurisdictions. Each state has its own regulatory body overseeing activities such as poker machines, casinos, and lotteries. For instance, New South Wales is home to approximately 90,000 gaming machines, making it second only to Nevada globally in terms of machine numbers. This prevalence has contributed to significant gambling losses, particularly in economically disadvantaged areas. In response to concerns about gambling-related harm, some states have implemented measures like mandatory pre-commitment systems and restrictions on machine operations.
In contrast, neighboring countries exhibit diverse approaches to gambling regulation. New Zealand’s Gambling Act 2003 prohibits remote interactive gambling, making it illegal to offer online casino games within the country. However, residents are not prohibited from accessing offshore online gambling sites. The Department of Internal Affairs oversees gambling activities, ensuring that only authorized forms are permitted domestically.
Indonesia enforces strict prohibitions on all forms of gambling, both online and offline, due to cultural and religious considerations. The government actively monitors and shuts down illegal gambling operations, and individuals found participating in such activities can face severe penalties. This stringent stance reflects the country’s commitment to upholding its moral and legal frameworks.
East Timor currently lacks comprehensive gambling legislation, resulting in a legal gray area. There are no formal laws explicitly regulating or prohibiting gambling activities, leaving both operators and players in uncertain legal territory. However, discussions have emerged about establishing a regulatory framework to attract tourism and generate revenue, indicating potential future developments in this sector.
Concerns Over Rising Gambling Losses Among Young Australians
Supporters of the bill warn that young Australians are among the most vulnerable to significant gambling losses. Sharkie emphasized that while this reform would not require substantial government intervention, it could have a meaningful impact on preventing financial distress and mental health issues associated with gambling addiction.
Martin Thomas, a representative of the Alliance for Gambling Reform, described the situation as an escalating crisis, citing alarming statistics that link problem gambling to numerous suicides. He attributed this growing issue to inadequate consumer protections and aggressive marketing tactics used by betting companies.
Independent MP Andrew Wilkie also criticized the targeted advertising strategies employed by gambling firms. He highlighted how these companies leverage social media algorithms and customer data to personalize ads, often directing them toward individuals who are most susceptible to gambling addiction. Wilkie argued that these practices clearly demonstrate that gambling operators prioritize profit over the well-being of their users, particularly those struggling with compulsive gambling behaviors.
Debate Over Gambling Advertising and Regulatory Delays Intensifies
The introduction of the Know Your Losses bill has renewed scrutiny on Communications Minister Michelle Rowland, who has faced criticism for not taking stronger action on gambling regulations. Previously, discussions among policymakers considered banning gambling advertisements during children’s programming and sporting events while also limiting the frequency of gambling ads to a maximum of two per hour. However, these proposals were eventually abandoned.
The bill follows recommendations from the 2022 Murphy Report, which called for sweeping reforms in the gambling sector, including a gradual ban on all betting advertisements. While some lawmakers continue to advocate for stricter restrictions, the Albanese Government has indicated that any substantial changes to gambling regulations may not occur until after the next election cycle.
If passed into law, the Know Your Losses bill would introduce strict penalties for non-compliant gambling operators. Violations could result in fines of up to 500 penalty units per day for criminal offenses and 750 penalty units for civil infractions. Companies found in violation could face penalties multiplied by five. To allow businesses sufficient time to implement these new requirements, gambling operators would be granted a six-month adjustment period.
Additional Context on Global Gambling Regulation Efforts
The push for more transparency in online gambling losses is not unique to Australia. Other countries have been implementing similar measures to protect vulnerable gamblers. In the United Kingdom, the government has introduced affordability checks for online betting, requiring operators to assess whether customers can afford their gambling habits. The UK’s Gambling Commission has also imposed stricter advertising regulations to prevent targeting problem gamblers.
Similarly, Sweden’s gambling authority, Spelinspektionen, has enforced a nationwide self-exclusion program, where players can voluntarily ban themselves from all licensed gambling platforms. These measures reflect a growing international trend of increasing oversight in the online betting industry.
As Australian lawmakers continue debating the Know Your Losses bill, its potential impact could align with these broader efforts to address problem gambling on a global scale. If successful, the legislation could serve as a model for other nations looking to implement similar real-time loss tracking features to mitigate gambling-related harm.
What About Crypto?
While not considered gambling, many might argue that investing in volatile crypto assets could also be categorized as such, although in terms of probabilities, it can offered much better chances of success to the skilled trader, which cannot be said of real gambling establishments. In terms of crypto, Australia has established a comprehensive regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies, aiming to balance innovation with consumer protection. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) oversees crypto-assets that qualify as financial products, requiring entities involved in issuing, advising, or dealing in such assets to hold an Australian Financial Services (AFS) licence. Additionally, the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) mandates that digital currency exchange providers register and comply with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) obligations, including customer identification and reporting requirements.
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) treats cryptocurrencies as property, subjecting them to capital gains tax upon disposal. Recognizing the rapid evolution of the crypto landscape, the Australian government has initiated consultations to refine its regulatory approach, focusing on areas such as token mapping and the licensing of digital asset service providers. Despite these efforts, there is ongoing debate about Australia’s pace in implementing effective crypto regulations, with some industry stakeholders expressing concerns that the country may be lagging behind other jurisdictions in fostering a supportive environment for digital asset innovation.
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