The Australian government has confirmed its intention to close a loophole that has, to date, enabled online live sports betting, reports The New Daily.
In-play betting is permitted over the phone but some betting companies have been deploying phone apps that enable punters to easily place bets during play.
The government said it would introduce legislation to ban these so-called click-to-call apps. Alan Tudge, human services minister, wants companies to cease the practice immediately.
“I would hope that they would cease doing this today, because we have clearly indicated that we believe that they’re operating against, certainly, the intent of the law, if not the actual law,” he said.
“The online environment has the potential for people to get themselves into serious trouble."
However, opponents of online gambling said the move did not go far enough. Independent senator Nick Xenophon said: “What is concerning is the government won’t commit to a permanent ban on in-play betting, given the link between in-play betting and gambling addiction.
“The concern is this is a short-term solution to get the government through the election.”
Source: thenewdaily.com.au
