Aussie gov't to look at smartphone/online gambling connection

[The Buzz]

The Australian government will investigate the role smartphones play in the rise of online gambling services in the country, according to ComputerWorld.

From ComputerWorld:

The review, to be conducted by the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy (DBCDE), will examine the growth of online gambling and the impact of smartphones and the convergence of new and existing technologies.

It will also revise the adequacy of current technical, operational and enforcement provisions relating to advertising of gambling services, and examine technology and platform neutrality in regards to “betting on the run” and micro-betting.
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The department will also look at offshore regulatory methods, taking into consideration their effectiveness and cost.

[bonusbetting]

The Ozzies seems to be really anti-gambling at the moment.

I seem to remember reading that they have one of the highest rates of gambling per capita on the planet - they love the pokies (slots)!

A high rate of gambling probably means a corresponding high rate of problem gambling - so the politicians can score points by attacking it.

A few months ago they banned sites from using the term 'free bet' and insisted it was called 'bonus' instead, because they felt it was misleading.

Flaming galahs.

[david_tamworth]

There is an inquiry going on now, I think they've realised that they can't control internet gambling and they will earn millions in regulating it. Plus prohibition doesn't work - it hasn't in the past - so the safest thing is proper regulation.

[michael1981]

It seems like so many governments want to legalize online gambling, but they are all a bit scared.

Its almost like a group of sheep trying to cross a paddock. They all want to cross, but they need someone else to take the first step so the rest can follow haha

[rak]

"The Gillard Government understands that the promotion of live-odds is becoming insidious in sports coverage and can contribute to normalising gambling behaviour for vulnerable people and children," Conroy said in a statement.

I could be wrong here.. but I'm pretty sure I am right, correct if I am wrong.

In the article you will notice "live-odds" being mentioned quite a bit. So live odds being made available for in game betting (while the match / race is in play). At the moment, Australian regulatated sportsbook are not allowed to provide in game betting for web clients.

The only way you can make an in game bet, is to ring the sportsbook up and make that bet.

It would be interesting to know what % of the bets on games in Australia, are made before, as opposed to during the game. And those bets made during the game - are they made due to odds flashed up in the game, tv, or just a gambler watching the moving adds via the internet.