Out-Law / Your Daily Need-To-Know

The Australian Senate has passed the Interactive Gambling Bill 2001, which effectively prohibits all on-line gambling services from being offered to Australian citizens. The blanket ban is subject to limited exceptions where betting takes place prior to a specified event.

The Bill is to go before the House of Representatives immediately so that it can be fully adopted as law. Following this, there will be a six month period in which banks will be required to establish regulations ensuring that internet gambling debts will not be honored.

The issue of on-line gambling has also been raised in the US this week at a Louisiana District Appeals court. The case questions whether the Wire Act 1961 prevents all forms of internet gambling or only those related to sporting activities. The loop-hole on which the case is based arose from a remark made by an appeal court judge regarding the scope of the Act.

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