Calls For Credit Cards To Be Banned In Australia Online Gambling

Online gamblers in Australia could be banned from using their credit cards as lawmakers consider changing the laws to remove the option for gamblers.

Should the change in law occur then it would bring in line online gambling with land based versions, at present casino gamblers and other forms of land based gambling is banned from using their credit cards and from taking cash from ATM locally for gambling purposes.

At present online gamblers can use their credit cards but  the parliamentary committee on corporations and financial services, chaired by Queensland Liberal National politician Andrew Wallace is calling for the change as gamblers online face higher interest rates and says the use of credit cards pose greater problems for families and should be brought in line with other forms of gambling.

Mr Wallace said: “Around $25 billion is spent on gambling each year. About six Sunshine Coast University hospitals could be built every year.”

Australia is looking to follow the UK in banning credit cards for all gambling and at present the four big banks in Australia are considering the proposals but no definite decision has been made.