Breaking news has revealed that the federal government plans to ban the use of credit cards when gambling online.

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland and Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth revealed the proposal to ban the use of credit cards while gambling online to ensure Aussie punters aren't placing bets on something they can't afford.

'It's as simple as this: people should not be betting with money they do not have,' Ms Rowland said.

‘Legislating a ban on the use of credit cards for online gambling will help protect vulnerable Australians and their loved ones.’

This ban will be for all Australian licensed wagering services.


For some, the ban can't come soon enough. As we all know, it's so easy to get in over your head if you're using a credit card and borrowing from the future to fund your gambling here and now.

The ban will bring online gambling regulations in line with what existing betting services in pubs, clubs, casinos, and other venues abide by. Not only that, but it'll also apply to online mobile or desktop gaming apps – so there will be no more using your credit card.

Lottery services will be excluded from the ban.

The government recognises the problem with gambling in Australia, with recent data indicating that approximately 1.6 million Australians are suffering from problem gambling in some form, costing the country up to $24 billion in gambling losses each year.

The decision to bring online gambling in line with other services has been largely backed by the general public. A 2019 survey commissioned by the Australian Banking Association found 81% of people agreed credit cards should be restricted or banned in some way.

The ban will be enforced by identifying Bank Identification Numbers to block credit cards and is similar to the measures already taken in casinos and poker machine venues.

Key Takeaways

• The Australian federal government plans to ban the use of credit cards in online gambling.
• This ban will apply to all Australian licensed wagering services and bring online gambling rules in line with existing betting services in pubs, clubs, casinos and other venues.
• The ban will be enforced by identifying Bank Identification Numbers to block credit cards, similar to methods used in casinos and poker machine venues.
• A parliamentary inquiry is underway into online gambling, with recommendations set to be released later this year.

The Australian Banking Association (ABA) supports the government's plan and its Chief Executive, Anna Bligh, said it would help set the right standards across the industry.

‘The ABA has advocated for a number of years for consistency regarding the use of credit cards for gambling,’ she said.

‘This is a long overdue reform and it's a credit to the relevant ministers that they've taken such a decisive move so early in their term.’

‘Using credit cards for gambling can create a unique harm where large amounts of debt can be accumulated in a short period.’

Financial Counselling Australia also welcomes the plan but believes that there is a loophole with the exclusion of lotteries from the ban.

‘We should never have to discuss credit cards and gambling in the same sentence ever again,’ said FCA Director of Policy Lauren Levin.

‘If reforms leave a gap, that is where the money inevitably flows. With this in mind, we urge the Government to reconsider the proposed lotteries carve out in the new legislation.’

‘The principle is the same, “no one should be betting with money they don't have”, whether they are spending $200 on a lottery syndicate or with online gambling, whether they are spending in the local newsagent or on sports betting.’

The federal government is not the first country to implement a ban on credit cards in online gambling - other countries have already taken the same approach. In the United Kingdom, the Gambling Commission Limited implemented a ban in April 2020. This ban means customers in the UK can only use debit cards or e-wallets, and betting companies can no longer accept other forms of payment.

In Ireland, betting sites were barred from taking credit card payments for both new and existing customers. Russia also recently introduced a ban on credit card use for online gambling and betting.

These measures demonstrate that the move to introduce a credit card ban in Australia is an internationally accepted approach to protecting vulnerable Australians from problem gambling.

Members, what do you think of this news? Are you for or against this proposal? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below.

 

[donandviv77]

Breaking news has revealed that the federal government plans to ban the use of credit cards when gambling online.

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland and Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth revealed the proposal to ban the use of credit cards while gambling online to ensure Aussie punters aren't placing bets on something they can't afford.

'It's as simple as this: people should not be betting with money they do not have,' Ms Rowland said.

‘Legislating a ban on the use of credit cards for online gambling will help protect vulnerable Australians and their loved ones.’

This ban will be for all Australian licensed wagering services.


For some, the ban can't come soon enough. As we all know, it's so easy to get in over your head if you're using a credit card and borrowing from the future to fund your gambling here and now.

The ban will bring online gambling regulations in line with what existing betting services in pubs, clubs, casinos, and other venues abide by. Not only that, but it'll also apply to online mobile or desktop gaming apps – so there will be no more using your credit card.

Lottery services will be excluded from the ban.

The government recognises the problem with gambling in Australia, with recent data indicating that approximately 1.6 million Australians are suffering from problem gambling in some form, costing the country up to $24 billion in gambling losses each year.

The decision to bring online gambling in line with other services has been largely backed by the general public. A 2019 survey commissioned by the Australian Banking Association found 81% of people agreed credit cards should be restricted or banned in some way.

The ban will be enforced by identifying Bank Identification Numbers to block credit cards and is similar to the measures already taken in casinos and poker machine venues.

Key Takeaways

• The Australian federal government plans to ban the use of credit cards in online gambling.
• This ban will apply to all Australian licensed wagering services and bring online gambling rules in line with existing betting services in pubs, clubs, casinos and other venues.
• The ban will be enforced by identifying Bank Identification Numbers to block credit cards, similar to methods used in casinos and poker machine venues.
• A parliamentary inquiry is underway into online gambling, with recommendations set to be released later this year.

The Australian Banking Association (ABA) supports the government's plan and its Chief Executive, Anna Bligh, said it would help set the right standards across the industry.

‘The ABA has advocated for a number of years for consistency regarding the use of credit cards for gambling,’ she said.

‘This is a long overdue reform and it's a credit to the relevant ministers that they've taken such a decisive move so early in their term.’

‘Using credit cards for gambling can create a unique harm where large amounts of debt can be accumulated in a short period.’

Financial Counselling Australia also welcomes the plan but believes that there is a loophole with the exclusion of lotteries from the ban.

‘We should never have to discuss credit cards and gambling in the same sentence ever again,’ said FCA Director of Policy Lauren Levin.

‘If reforms leave a gap, that is where the money inevitably flows. With this in mind, we urge the Government to reconsider the proposed lotteries carve out in the new legislation.’

‘The principle is the same, “no one should be betting with money they don't have”, whether they are spending $200 on a lottery syndicate or with online gambling, whether they are spending in the local newsagent or on sports betting.’

The federal government is not the first country to implement a ban on credit cards in online gambling - other countries have already taken the same approach. In the United Kingdom, the Gambling Commission Limited implemented a ban in April 2020. This ban means customers in the UK can only use debit cards or e-wallets, and betting companies can no longer accept other forms of payment.

In Ireland, betting sites were barred from taking credit card payments for both new and existing customers. Russia also recently introduced a ban on credit card use for online gambling and betting.

These measures demonstrate that the move to introduce a credit card ban in Australia is an internationally accepted approach to protecting vulnerable Australians from problem gambling.

Members, what do you think of this news? Are you for or against this proposal? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below.

Breaking news has revealed that the federal government plans to ban the use of credit cards when gambling online.

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland and Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth revealed the proposal to ban the use of credit cards while gambling online to ensure Aussie punters aren't placing bets on something they can't afford.

'It's as simple as this: people should not be betting with money they do not have,' Ms Rowland said.

‘Legislating a ban on the use of credit cards for online gambling will help protect vulnerable Australians and their loved ones.’

This ban will be for all Australian licensed wagering services.


For some, the ban can't come soon enough. As we all know, it's so easy to get in over your head if you're using a credit card and borrowing from the future to fund your gambling here and now.

The ban will bring online gambling regulations in line with what existing betting services in pubs, clubs, casinos, and other venues abide by. Not only that, but it'll also apply to online mobile or desktop gaming apps – so there will be no more using your credit card.

Lottery services will be excluded from the ban.

The government recognises the problem with gambling in Australia, with recent data indicating that approximately 1.6 million Australians are suffering from problem gambling in some form, costing the country up to $24 billion in gambling losses each year.

The decision to bring online gambling in line with other services has been largely backed by the general public. A 2019 survey commissioned by the Australian Banking Association found 81% of people agreed credit cards should be restricted or banned in some way.

The ban will be enforced by identifying Bank Identification Numbers to block credit cards and is similar to the measures already taken in casinos and poker machine venues.

Key Takeaways

• The Australian federal government plans to ban the use of credit cards in online gambling.
• This ban will apply to all Australian licensed wagering services and bring online gambling rules in line with existing betting services in pubs, clubs, casinos and other venues.
• The ban will be enforced by identifying Bank Identification Numbers to block credit cards, similar to methods used in casinos and poker machine venues.
• A parliamentary inquiry is underway into online gambling, with recommendations set to be released later this year.

The Australian Banking Association (ABA) supports the government's plan and its Chief Executive, Anna Bligh, said it would help set the right standards across the industry.

‘The ABA has advocated for a number of years for consistency regarding the use of credit cards for gambling,’ she said.

‘This is a long overdue reform and it's a credit to the relevant ministers that they've taken such a decisive move so early in their term.’

‘Using credit cards for gambling can create a unique harm where large amounts of debt can be accumulated in a short period.’

Financial Counselling Australia also welcomes the plan but believes that there is a loophole with the exclusion of lotteries from the ban.

‘We should never have to discuss credit cards and gambling in the same sentence ever again,’ said FCA Director of Policy Lauren Levin.

‘If reforms leave a gap, that is where the money inevitably flows. With this in mind, we urge the Government to reconsider the proposed lotteries carve out in the new legislation.’

‘The principle is the same, “no one should be betting with money they don't have”, whether they are spending $200 on a lottery syndicate or with online gambling, whether they are spending in the local newsagent or on sports betting.’

The federal government is not the first country to implement a ban on credit cards in online gambling - other countries have already taken the same approach. In the United Kingdom, the Gambling Commission Limited implemented a ban in April 2020. This ban means customers in the UK can only use debit cards or e-wallets, and betting companies can no longer accept other forms of payment.

In Ireland, betting sites were barred from taking credit card payments for both new and existing customers. Russia also recently introduced a ban on credit card use for online gambling and betting.

These measures demonstrate that the move to introduce a credit card ban in Australia is an internationally accepted approach to protecting vulnerable Australians from problem gambling.

Members, what do you think of this news? Are you for or against this proposal? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below.

It is a real pity that the Governments did not introduce this ban on using credit cards for gambling several years ago however, there is one ban all Governments should introduce is the banning of all advertising by all sporting and gambling organisations as everyone must admit these advertisements are specifically aimed at the younger generation.

Governments found it easy to ban advertisements for smoking yet they allow all types of advertising by Alcohol and Gambling on all types of media yet, in my humble opinion, gambling and Alcohol are some of the worse contributors to ill health, family violence and broken family units where young children suffer badle.

 

[martinb4]

The need to crack down on sports betting adds on tv as well

 

[VH904]

I don’t gamble, but I know a number of families whom have compulsive gamblers in their family. They are all the bread winners. I don’t think anything will stop them unless they get help. However, if they take away the convenience of doing it over the phone or online it might slow them down.

 

[Sockjoan]

Breaking news has revealed that the federal government plans to ban the use of credit cards when gambling online.

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland and Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth revealed the proposal to ban the use of credit cards while gambling online to ensure Aussie punters aren't placing bets on something they can't afford.

'It's as simple as this: people should not be betting with money they do not have,' Ms Rowland said.

‘Legislating a ban on the use of credit cards for online gambling will help protect vulnerable Australians and their loved ones.’

This ban will be for all Australian licensed wagering services.


For some, the ban can't come soon enough. As we all know, it's so easy to get in over your head if you're using a credit card and borrowing from the future to fund your gambling here and now.

The ban will bring online gambling regulations in line with what existing betting services in pubs, clubs, casinos, and other venues abide by. Not only that, but it'll also apply to online mobile or desktop gaming apps – so there will be no more using your credit card.

Lottery services will be excluded from the ban.

The government recognises the problem with gambling in Australia, with recent data indicating that approximately 1.6 million Australians are suffering from problem gambling in some form, costing the country up to $24 billion in gambling losses each year.

The decision to bring online gambling in line with other services has been largely backed by the general public. A 2019 survey commissioned by the Australian Banking Association found 81% of people agreed credit cards should be restricted or banned in some way.

The ban will be enforced by identifying Bank Identification Numbers to block credit cards and is similar to the measures already taken in casinos and poker machine venues.

Key Takeaways

• The Australian federal government plans to ban the use of credit cards in online gambling.
• This ban will apply to all Australian licensed wagering services and bring online gambling rules in line with existing betting services in pubs, clubs, casinos and other venues.
• The ban will be enforced by identifying Bank Identification Numbers to block credit cards, similar to methods used in casinos and poker machine venues.
• A parliamentary inquiry is underway into online gambling, with recommendations set to be released later this year.

The Australian Banking Association (ABA) supports the government's plan and its Chief Executive, Anna Bligh, said it would help set the right standards across the industry.

‘The ABA has advocated for a number of years for consistency regarding the use of credit cards for gambling,’ she said.

‘This is a long overdue reform and it's a credit to the relevant ministers that they've taken such a decisive move so early in their term.’

‘Using credit cards for gambling can create a unique harm where large amounts of debt can be accumulated in a short period.’

Financial Counselling Australia also welcomes the plan but believes that there is a loophole with the exclusion of lotteries from the ban.

‘We should never have to discuss credit cards and gambling in the same sentence ever again,’ said FCA Director of Policy Lauren Levin.

‘If reforms leave a gap, that is where the money inevitably flows. With this in mind, we urge the Government to reconsider the proposed lotteries carve out in the new legislation.’

‘The principle is the same, “no one should be betting with money they don't have”, whether they are spending $200 on a lottery syndicate or with online gambling, whether they are spending in the local newsagent or on sports betting.’

The federal government is not the first country to implement a ban on credit cards in online gambling - other countries have already taken the same approach. In the United Kingdom, the Gambling Commission Limited implemented a ban in April 2020. This ban means customers in the UK can only use debit cards or e-wallets, and betting companies can no longer accept other forms of payment.

In Ireland, betting sites were barred from taking credit card payments for both new and existing customers. Russia also recently introduced a ban on credit card use for online gambling and betting.

These measures demonstrate that the move to introduce a credit card ban in Australia is an internationally accepted approach to protecting vulnerable Australians from problem gambling.

Members, what do you think of this news? Are you for or against this proposal? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below.

Very good - and about time! I grew up in South Africa, which was ruled by a Calvinist political party at the time, and gambling was very much frowned on.

 

[Catherines]

Absolutely agree. About time the government got their act together and also banned a lot of other advertising at sporting events that cause families to suffer because of the betting and alcohol money spent. I suspect these same people ‘overdrawn or out of pocket because of their gambling (& drinking)’ will be the same ones complaining they can’t afford to live because, perhaps, the pension they get IS NOT ENOUGH! Families suffer because of this vile gambling addiction; they go without food because there is no money for it, and with alcohol addiction their partners and children suffer with violence.

I read some time ago that Australia is the biggest gambling country in the world - not a very nice tag to wear!

 

[Shane/#]

The need to crack down on sports betting adds on tv as well

Bloody oath sick of seeing them

 

[Trudi]

My partner and I go to the local club every Friday night (that was already his routine when we met), where he spends the princely sum of $5.00 on the pokies. I don't play, quite simply because I hate losing money a whole lot more than the off-chance of a win.

I do, however, purchase two $5.00 scratchies every Saturday and on rare occasions I might even purchase a lottery ticket. I use my credit card for those purchases. Any winnings are deposited in our travel bank account.

 

[Catherines]

If there was any way to limit the maximum amount any one person can spend in one night that would solve some of the problem, but I don’t know if that’s at all possible. And it would be hard to police - maybe one of you smart seniors has the answer??!! Fill us in here

 

[DrivingGirl]

Very good - and about time! I grew up in South Africa, which was ruled by a Calvinist political party at the time, and gambling was very much frowned on.

Me too!

 

[Bullwinkle]

To me this is a No Brainer, just why has it taken the government so long to act….

 

[SGH]

All gambling ads should be stopped on TV, and no one should be allowed to use credit to gamble. I think the government are dragging their heels on this issue because of the revenue they collect from it.

 

[JayEeGeeP]

Absolutely ban gambling ads anywhere, anytime. When a person loses control and can't stop, usually ending up losing heavily it's the taxpayer that ends up paying for them to be helped. My husband was an out of control gambler and it is devastating to see how much money goes down the drain.

 

[Toni Wrinkles]

Having lost so much because of husbands gambling including my marriage and now having to sell the house I live in because of it also I say it should have been done a long long time ago, Should ban the phone gambling too.

 

[mylittletibbies]

I agree, my ex was was a gambler and heavy drinker, hence him being the ex. He would gamble the house payment, food money, even hock thiñgs to drink or gamble.
I was young and niave and it took me a while to realise that I hadn't lost or misplaced several pieces of jewellery, that had been handed down through my family, and that they had obviously been hocked as well.
I dreaded Saturdays, he would go to the pub when it opened, come home at stumps and been betting on the horses all day.
Think they should ban using credit cards for lotto as well, some people spend hundreds .

 

[Jarred Santos]

Thanks for sharing, everyone. Really heartbreaking how some of you witnessed addiction firsthand. I imagine it must have been so draining (in more ways than financially) to witness and experience it up close. I hope all of you are in relatively better places now

What would you recommend to someone with a relative who has a gambling addiction?

 

[mylittletibbies]

Thanks for sharing, everyone. Really heartbreaking how some of you witnessed addiction firsthand. I imagine it must have been so draining (in more ways than financially) to witness and experience it up close. I hope all of you are in relatively better places now

What would you recommend to someone with a relative who has a gambling addiction?

Sounds cruel, but if it's your partner, get out while you can. You can't help someone who won't help themselves.
It doesn't matter how many times they promise to change, they're sorry(no they're not)etc etc nothing changes. I stayed too long, lost everything, house, car, etc.
Sorry, I have no sympathy for addicts of any kind. I have also spent years trying to help my drug addicted 50 year old son, that has also cost me a fortune. Twice I bought him a caravan as he had nowhere to live, yes you guessed it he sold them both for drugs. More fool me.
I only woke up to myself when a counselor told me I was enabling him.
Take care of yourself and your young children If you have them. These type if people only drag you down with them.
Selfish narcissists.
Oh dear, I do sound bitter. I love my son dearly, although I no longer have him in my life, I think of him often, it breaks my heart but I have other family members who need my care,
and to be honest just need some peace in my life and just have to accept I can't help him. You would think I would have learnt first time around with his father.

 

[Jarred Santos]

Sounds cruel, but if it's your partner, get out while you can. You can't help someone who won't help themselves.
It doesn't matter how many times they promise to change, they're sorry(no they're not)etc etc nothing changes. I stayed too long, lost everything, house, car, etc.
Sorry, I have no sympathy for addicts of any kind. I have also spent years trying to help my drug addicted 50 year old son, that has also cost me a fortune. Twice I bought him a caravan as he had nowhere to live, yes you guessed it he sold them both for drugs. More fool me.
I only woke up to myself when a counselor told me I was enabling him.
Take care of yourself and your young children If you have them. These type if people only drag you down with them.
Selfish narcissists.
Oh dear, I do sound bitter. I love my son dearly, although I no longer have him in my life, I think of him often, it breaks my heart but I have other family members who need my care,
and to be honest just need some peace in my life and just have to accept I can't help him. You would think I would have learnt first time around with his father.

'Oh dear, I do sound bitter. I love my son dearly, although I no longer have him in my life, I think of him often, it breaks my heart but I have other family members who need my care, and to be honest just need some peace in my life and just have to accept I can't help him. '

Oh, how this line resonated with me. A family member and I have been estranged for so many years for reasons unrelated to gambling, but this bit still hit home.

I hope for better days ahead for you @mylittletibbies!

 

[mylittletibbies]

Thanks for sharing, everyone. Really heartbreaking how some of you witnessed addiction firsthand. I imagine it must have been so draining (in more ways than financially) to witness and experience it up close. I hope all of you are in relatively better places now

What would you recommend to someone with a relative who has a gambling addiction

'Oh dear, I do sound bitter. I love my son dearly, although I no longer have him in my life, I think of him often, it breaks my heart but I have other family members who need my care, and to be honest just need some peace in my life and just have to accept I can't help him. '

Oh, how this line resonated with me. A family member and I have been estranged for so many years for reasons unrelated to gambling, but this bit still hit home.

I hope for better days ahead for you @mylittletibbies!

Thank you Jarrod, life is much better these days. I have another son who has achieved well in his life, along with a lovely daughter in law and three beautiful grandchildren.My daughter, who I have mentioned before has a mild intellectual disability is the light of my life, she has her struggles, none of them her fault, and she tells me how much she loves me every day ( many, many times actually, lol )

 

[jodebrode]

To be honest, some folks really need this ban to kick in ASAP. It's way too easy to get carried away when you're using a credit card and borrowing from your future self just to fuel your gambling addiction. Not cool, man.