Online live betting has been described as “illegal” in Australia by Social Services Minister Scott Morrison, the politician who this week announced a review of the country’s online gaming laws.
Morrison became the first federal government figure to comment on in-play gaming, which has been the source of controversy with companies such as William Hill and Bet365 claiming to offer legal ‘telephone’ betting through smartphones and laptops.
The Australian Media and Communications Authority (ACMA) regulator referred the matter to the federal police and Interpol, who will investigate whether they breach the current Interactive Gambling Act, but Morrison was willing to comment on them in an interview with 2GB radio station.
He said: “Things like in-play betting… it is being done offshore; it is illegal to do it in Australia.”
A spokeswoman for the minister said he was not referring to any particular system or product, and a spokesperson for William Hill told the Australian newspaper that Morrison’s comments were likely aimed at illegal offshore bookmakers, and defended the company’s Click to Call platform.
Hills said: “There needs to be differentiation between illegal offshore ones, based out of Fiji or wherever, that don’t guarantee punters a return and aren’t paying taxes, and legitimate operators.
“We do offer live betting, but it is still via a telephone call — our in-play technology is a lot more complex than simply turning on your microphone and uses similar technology as reputable companies such as Skype and Viber.”
