A national ban on using credit cards for online gambling is now in effect.
It follows legislation passed in the Federal Parliament in December.
The measure is aimed at preventing people from spending borrowed money they may not have the means to repay.
Here’s what you need to know.
Background
Credit cards werefrom physical gambling venues like racetracks or casinos before online gambling became widely popular.
In 2021, a Parliamentary Committee recommended extending the ban to include digital gambling platforms like Sportsbet and TAB.
Gambling companies were then given six months to prepare for the ban after legislation passed in December.
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Online credit card ban
From today, users cannot pay for online gambling services with a credit card.
Further, gambling sites are responsible for identifying and blocking anyone from using a credit card to gamble on their platform.
Companies also risk being fined over $200,000 by the Australian Communications and Media Authority for breaching the reforms.
Communications Minister Michelle Rowlandthe ban builds on “significant” progress by the Government to minimise gambling harm.
Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth said the measure means the “same rules” now apply for in-person and online gambling.
Shadow Communications Minister David Coleman told TDA the Coalition is “supportive” of the ban.
