Review into the impact of online keno and foreign-matched lotteries

The Albanese Government has commenced a review into the regulation of online keno and foreign-matched lotteries as it continues its work to minimise online gambling harms.
 
The review will allow the Government to better understand the impact of these types of lotteries on the community and explore whether changes to regulations are required.
 
An Issues Paper has been released today to help inform the review.
 
Keno is a game of chance where players choose numbers to win prizes. These games have traditionally been played in clubs and pubs but can now be played online in some States and Territories. Foreign‑matched lotteries allow Australians to access lottery draws conducted overseas. 
 
The review accepts a recommendation by the Senate Standing Committees on Environment and Communications in its review of the Interactive Gambling Amendment (Credit and Other Measures) Act 2023 (Cth). The Committee recommended that the Government undertake a review over the next 12 months into the regulation of keno-type lotteries under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (Cth) (IGA).
 
The Government will conduct targeted consultation as part of the review and seek input from harm minimisation advocates, community and charity peak bodies, academics, the States and Territories, newsagents and the wagering industry.
 
The Issues Paper released today considers the impacts of these products, including gambling harm risks, to Australian consumers. The Terms of Reference for the investigation will cover:

  • Nature and size of online keno and foreign matched lotteries in Australia;
  • The impact of existing, new and emerging keno type lotteries and foreign matched lotteries in Australia;
  • Adverse experiences from customers playing these lottery products, including loss of deposits or non‑payment of winnings;
  • The definition of an ‘excluded lottery service’ under the IGA and whether it remains ‘fit for purpose’, and whether these products go against the intent of the IGA to minimise gambling harms from internet technologies; and
  • Policy options including credit and digital payment bans or other restrictions, that could be applied to these products.

This work continues the Government’s agenda to minimise online gambling harms in Australia.
 
The Government is working through its response to the House of Representatives Inquiry into online gambling and its impacts on those experiencing gambling harm. 
 
Measures already put in place to reduce gambling harms include:

  • Launching BetStop, the National Self-Exclusion Register, through which more than 22,000 Australians have self-excluded from online wagering and promotions, as of end of April 2024;
  • Mandating customer ID pre-verification for all new online wagering accounts to prevent children from gambling and strengthen protections for Australians who have registered for BetStop;
  • Banning the use of credit cards for online wagering, commencing in June 2024;
  • Introducing mandatory minimum classifications for gambling-like content in computer games, commencing in September 2024;
  • Replacing the ineffective ‘Gamble Responsibly’ message on wagering advertising with new, evidence-based taglines;
  • Introducing nationally consistent staff training; and
  • Requiring online wagering companies to send their customers monthly activity statements outlining wins and losses.

 Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:
 
“The Albanese Government has a comprehensive agenda to minimise online wagering harms.
 
“The growth and availability of online keno and foreign-matched lotteries is particularly concerning. It is important to understand the impact these two products are having on the community, including vulnerable Australians and small businesses.
 
“Feedback will ensure any changes the Government may make are well-balanced and fit-for-purpose, and the Terms of Reference will help guide any future changes Government might make.
 
“This review comes in addition to strong consumer protections introduced by the Albanese Government, including launching BetStop – the National Self-Exclusion Register, banning the use of credit cards for online wagering, and introducing new mandatory minimum classifications for computer games with gambling-like content”.
 
Quotes attributable to Minister for Social Services, the Hon Amanda Rishworth MP
 
“Our Government takes gambling harm seriously and we are committed to protecting consumers, including their families and the community, from gambling-related harm.
 
“This includes continuous review and work to address all drivers of gambling harm such as the regulation of online keno and foreign-matches lotteries.
 
“Our Government has already taken major steps to minimise and combat the increasing prevalence of people experiencing gambling harm in Australia and will continue to do so.”